Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Why are they increasingly rivals? – DW – 12/19/2025 and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
In this rapidly changing global disorder, Turkey and India have a lot in common. Both are middle powers with bigger ambitions — which hark back to past glories, and both have controversial yet iconic leaders who are leaving a major impact. The two countries also seem to have a similar strtegy for coping with the superpowers: don’t choose sides.
But on closer examination, Turkey has become everyone’s friend—and an essential part of analyzing what happens in the Middle East and beyond.
India, on the other hand, seems less relevant across South Asia and increasingly forced to choose sides between Russia and the US—while still having major unresolved issues on its border with China.
DW’s security podcast, Global Eyes, compares the two countries aiming for more. Our hosts discussed the issues with Indian former diplomat Talmiz Ahmad and international relations professor Mehmet Özkan of the Turkish National Defense University.
What do you think: Which country and which leader is playing the game of power politics better — India or Turkey?