Imamoglu Arrested in Erdogan’s Turkey: Growing Authoritarianism Poses Strategic Risk for India

 GG News Bureau                                

New Delhi ,May 11:The recent arrest of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has sparked global concerns over the alarming erosion of democratic values in Turkey. Widely regarded as a key opposition leader and a potential presidential candidate for the Republican People’s Party (CHP), İmamoğlu’s detention is being seen as a calculated move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s regime to eliminate political challengers and cement authoritarian control.

Imamoglu’s arrest, reportedly based on vague and politically motivated charges, comes at a time when Erdogan’s government is pushing to delay the next presidential election to 2028. Critics argue this is a clear attempt to manipulate the political process and suppress dissent. The former mayor’s popularity has been a significant threat to Erdogan’s grip on power, especially after his decisive win in Istanbul’s 2019 municipal election, which ended decades of AKP dominance in the city.

Despite growing concerns, the silence of major global democracies—particularly the United States and European nations—has been striking. Analysts warn that their reluctance to speak out against Erdogan’s actions reflects a dangerous trend of appeasement towards rising autocratic regimes. This silence, they say, not only undermines global democratic norms but also emboldens other leaders with authoritarian tendencies.

India, while traditionally maintaining a cautious stance on foreign internal affairs, cannot afford to ignore the geopolitical implications of Turkey’s internal crisis. Erdogan’s increasingly close ties with Pakistan, especially with Pakistan Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir, raise red flags for Indian strategic interests. Their reported meeting in September 2023 underlines the emerging Ankara-Islamabad axis, which could translate into coordinated efforts to challenge India on the global stage, particularly on issues like Kashmir and counterterrorism.

As Turkey moves further away from democratic norms, New Delhi must adopt a proactive diplomatic approach. Strategic intelligence, deeper regional engagement, and strong alliances with democratic nations are essential to counterbalance Turkey’s growing proximity to India’s adversaries.

The international community must not allow Turkey’s authoritarian drift to go unchecked. The arrest of Imamoglu is not just an internal matter for Turkey—it is a warning signal for democracies worldwide. For India, vigilance is no longer a choice, but a necessity.