Mumbai:
The Shiv Sena has raised strong objections to the continued presence of a Turkish firm in the operations of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Citing escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the party has urged the central government to take immediate action to remove the foreign company from any strategic involvement, highlighting concerns over national security and geopolitical alignment.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Shiv Sena leaders said that allowing a Turkish company to operate within one of India’s busiest and most crucial airports poses a potential risk, especially given Turkey’s growing diplomatic and strategic ties with Pakistan. They warned that foreign companies from nations not fully aligned with India’s national interests should not be entrusted with key infrastructure.
The demand comes at a time when regional tensions have intensified, with heightened security alerts along the borders and renewed focus on safeguarding critical assets within the country. Shiv Sena spokespersons pointed out that while economic partnerships are necessary, they should never come at the cost of national security.
“The airport is not just a commercial hub — it is a critical node of national infrastructure. We cannot allow entities from countries that openly support India’s adversaries to have access to our aviation systems,” said a senior Shiv Sena leader. The party also referenced recent statements and actions by Turkey that have shown support for Pakistan on international platforms, including at the United Nations.
According to reports, the Turkish firm in question is part of the consortium that handles certain airport services. Shiv Sena has demanded that the Indian government re-evaluate all such agreements and ensure that strategic operations at Indian airports are handled exclusively by domestic or allied international companies with a record of trust and transparency.
The party further suggested that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Home Affairs conduct a full security audit of foreign firms involved in Indian transport and infrastructure projects. They stressed that preventive action is more valuable than reactive measures, especially in sensitive sectors like aviation.
Shiv Sena’s stand has also found support from other regional political leaders who agree that India's strategic assets should remain shielded from external influence. Political analysts believe this issue could escalate into a broader policy debate on the participation of foreign entities in sectors deemed critical to national interest.
As of now, the central government has not made an official statement in response to Shiv Sena’s demand. However, discussions are reportedly underway at multiple levels to assess the implications of foreign partnerships in critical infrastructure amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
Industry experts have noted that while international expertise in infrastructure development is often valuable, governments must balance commercial considerations with national security priorities. The evolving situation may lead to a reassessment of current and future contracts involving foreign firms in India’s strategic sectors.
