The Rise of a Maritime Triangle: China, Pakistan, and Turkey

Manoj Ambat, Editor in Chief, Strategic Vanguard
Jun 5
2 min read

Updated: Jul 9

In recent years, the strategic cooperation between China, Pakistan, and Turkey has evolved into a deeper, more visible partnership—especially in the maritime domain. This alliance is no longer limited to diplomatic support or defense deals. It's now taking the shape of a coordinated naval presence in regions where India has traditionally enjoyed a strategic edge.

From joint naval exercises to military technology transfers, and even the development of strategic ports, this emerging axis is quietly shaping the future of maritime geopolitics in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

🛳️ Key Developments Signaling an Emerging Naval Axis

China’s Naval ExpansionThe Chinese PLA Navy has become the largest navy in the world. It now operates far beyond the South China Sea, with increased presence in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and even Africa’s east coast. Strategic ports like Gwadar (Pakistan) and Djibouti are pivotal in this expansion.
Pakistan’s Naval ModernizationWith Chinese and Turkish support, Pakistan is acquiring Type 054A frigates from China and MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkey. It’s also investing heavily in submarines and coastal defense systems.
Turkey’s Growing RoleTurkey has emerged as a key defense partner for Pakistan. Beyond shipbuilding, Ankara is supporting Pakistan diplomatically and technologically in its strategic rivalry with India. Turkey’s vision of becoming a global maritime power aligns with China's broader ambitions.

⚠️ What This Means for India

India now faces the potential of a three-front challenge at sea—with adversaries collaborating across naval, intelligence, and strategic levels. The threat is not merely military; it includes trade route disruption, grey-zone warfare, and surveillance in critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait.

🇮🇳 How Should India Respond?

Strengthen Naval CapacityIndia must accelerate its naval modernization, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft.
Enhance Maritime Domain AwarenessIndia should expand surveillance infrastructure and AI-powered early warning systems across the IOR.
Leverage Strategic PartnershipsBuilding deeper ties with Quad members, ASEAN navies, and France in the Western Indian Ocean is crucial.
Develop Island BasesThe Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep must be fortified as forward-operating naval outposts.
Push for Indigenous Defense ProductionIndia must reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by boosting its own defense manufacturing ecosystem.

📌 Final Thoughts

The China-Pakistan-Turkey alliance in the maritime domain is not yet a formal bloc—but the signs are clear. India must act preemptively to avoid strategic encirclement and protect its maritime interests. The seas are becoming a new theatre of geopolitical rivalry—and India must sail ahead, not drift behind.