Third Front’ Against India: Erdogan’s Somalia Spaceport Plan- What Major Deal Is Turkey Eyeing?

International News: During the India-Pakistan struggle, Turkey openly supported Pakistan and selected its side. But now Türkiye's ambitions are also appearing in the field of space and military technology. According to the latest reports, Turkish President Rechhep Tayyip Erdogan is planning to build a spaceport in Somalia to strengthen his influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Spaceport in Somalia: Strategic importance and Türkiye's ambition

According to India's leading defence and geopolitical analysts, Türkiye is negotiating to set up a space port in Somalia of 'Horn of Africa'. The purpose of this spaceport is not only to promote space technology, but also to raise ballistic missile testing and launching facilities from there.

This spaceport will give Turkey a chance to set a straight foot in the Indian Ocean, allowing it to increase its military appearance in this strategic water sector. It is risky for Türkiye conducting missile tests near the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, so this spaceport will prove to be a safe and strategic place for its missile testing activities.

Danger bell for India: Turkish-Pakistan alliance increases

Although the project does not see a direct impact on India at present, Türkiye's open cooperation with Pakistan is a matter of concern. Experts believe that Pakistan can take advantage of this space project in future and move in a ballistic missile program against India.

China has already established a military base in Djibouti of Africa. Now Turkey's making spaceport in Somalia can create a new 'dangerous triangle' - China, Pakistan and Turkey - which can create many challenges for India in the Indian Ocean region.

Turkish space technology and arms export

Over the years, Turkey has accelerated drones, missiles and other modern weapons exports to India's neighbouring countries and African nations. In such a situation, the construction of the spaceport in Somalia will further strengthen the Turkish defence program and expand its military access.

Benefits of geographical location

Somalia, which is located on the east coast of Africa, is considered an ideal site for rocket launching due to being close to the equator. From here missiles require less fuel and the rotation speed of the Earth can be availed. This Turkish project is working on a soft landing plan by 2028, and it is estimated to be spent about one billion dollars.

Result and strategic challenges for India

Considering the African strategy of India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Maldives and the Indian Navy, Turkey can weaken India's hold in the Indian Ocean. Turkey's growing alliance with Pakistan and military expansion in Africa may indicate a 'three-front danger' for India, which will include Pakistan in the West, China in the north and Turkey in the southwest.

In this situation, India will have to adopt new strategies at both its security and diplomacy levels, so that it can maintain its dominance in the Indian Ocean region.