In the dead of night, under the banner of “Operation Sindoor,” India launched air and missile strikes at nine locations inside Pakistan. In response, Pakistan issued a stern warning of retaliation. This chain of events has once again sparked fears of a full-scale war. But if war does indeed erupt, who will stand with India or Pakistan? Where will countries like Bangladesh, China, Turkey, Israel, and the United States align?
Bangladesh
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina, relations between India and Bangladesh have noticeably soured. Misinformation in Indian media about Bangladesh, alleged sheltering of fugitive Awami League leaders including Sheikh Hasina, and other issues have chilled diplomatic ties. Recently, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, met with the Indian Prime Minister, but the meeting yielded no significant outcomes. Meanwhile, Bangladesh-Pakistan ties have warmed since Hasina’s departure. The two countries have held multiple meetings and expressed interest in boosting cooperation in aviation, trade, and agriculture. As such, it’s currently uncertain which side Bangladesh would choose in case of war.
China
A long-standing ally of Pakistan, China is likely to stand by its side. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have forged strong strategic ties between the two nations. Meanwhile, India-China relations have been strained due to border disputes and strategic rivalry. Although a May 6 report in The Hindu noted that China officially called for restraint from both sides, analysts believe China will likely provide military and political support to Pakistan behind the scenes.
Turkey
Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly voiced support for Pakistan. Alongside religious and historical bonds, Turkey’s military and strategic cooperation with Pakistan has deepened in recent years. According to India.com, Turkey has backed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. However, trade statistics complicate the picture—2023–24 trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan stood at $543 million, while with India it reached $7.1 billion. Whether Turkey’s verbal support will translate into concrete action remains to be seen.
Israel
Israel is expected to side with India and has already expressed support for Operation Sindoor. Over the years, military, intelligence, and technological cooperation between the two countries has intensified. Israeli technology plays a critical role in India’s defense sector. However, given Israel’s ongoing war in Palestine, its support for India may remain mostly verbal.
United States
While the U.S. has urged both sides to show restraint, it leans more favorably toward India in its anti-terrorism stance. Through the QUAD alliance, Indo-U.S. strategic relations have deepened, with cooperation visible in Afghanistan, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. Though the U.S. may not participate directly in a war due to its own interests in the Middle East and Europe, it could provide diplomatic and intelligence support.
France and Japan
Both countries have robust economic and defense ties with India. France’s sale of Rafale jets and Japan’s infrastructure and technology partnerships strengthen these bonds. However, some argue that India may not gain the support of any neighboring country. If war assistance becomes necessary, India may have to rely on distant allies.