This move follows reports of Turkey supplying drones to Pakistan during its recent military engagements with India. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed solidarity with Pakistan, condemning India's military actions and offering support to Islamabad. Additionally, Turkey has reportedly imposed a ban on defense exports to India, further straining bilateral relations.
Shiv Sena's stance reflects growing concerns over foreign involvement in critical infrastructure and national security. The party has a history of opposing Pakistani artists and entities operating in India, citing security concerns. The current demand to oust CelebiNAS underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding Indo-Pak relations and the role of third-party nations.
CelebiNAS, a Turkish company, manages a significant portion of ground operations at Mumbai International Airport. The company's presence has come under scrutiny amid the geopolitical tensions, with Shiv Sena emphasizing the need to prioritize national interests over foreign business engagements.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between international diplomacy, national security, and economic interests. As India navigates its relationship with Turkey and Pakistan, domestic political entities like Shiv Sena are asserting their influence to shape policy decisions that align with their nationalistic agendas.
The central government has yet to respond to Shiv Sena's demands. However, the issue has sparked a broader debate on the role of foreign companies in India's critical sectors, especially those from nations perceived as adversarial.