Following the Pahalgam attack, both India and Pakistan have been rallying support internationally.
India has briefed diplomats from dozens of countries and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held talks with leaders from several countries, such as US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A number of nations have been engaged with both the countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Iran, in an apparent bid to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
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From statements and posturing of the international community, one thing is quite clear: the world empathises with India when it comes to terrorism and is quite aware of Pakistan’s long support to terrorism. However, that has not stopped a small bunch of countries from standing with Pakistan.
The usual suspects are China and Turkey. In recent years, a bunch of other countries too have become close to Pakistan, such as the Maldives and Bangladesh after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Historically, Pakistan had consistently relied on the United States for support as well, such as in the war with India in 1971.
However, despite vocal support from China and Turkey, and historic support from the United States, Pakistan is not in a position to have much realistic expectations of substantial support this time if the standoff with India turns violent.
Will China really support Pakistan?
Contrary to the popular perception that China and Pakistan became ‘iron brothers’ in the post-Cold War period, the two countries had been partners earlier as well. However, that did not mean active Chinese support to Pakistan in the wars of 1965, 1971, or 1999.
To be sure, there are concerns of Chinese involvement in any conflict with Pakistan. China can needle India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), but is unlikely to enter into India in a full-scale war. For one, China has been mending ties with India and has its plate full with conflicts in Southeast Asia and trade war with the United States. It’s unlikely to open another front.
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At best, China can provide Pakistan with weapons, technical support, or diplomatic cushioning, but is unlikely to join the war on its side. As for the weapons supplies, China’s 82 per cent defence exports already go to Pakistan so it is unlikely that China would do something extraordinary that it has not already done.
Is Turkey going to join Pakistan against India?
In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a key geopolitical player. Unde