Mughal India and the Ottomans both feared Nadir Shah’s expansionism

Evidence

The Mughal ambassador had come to warn the Ottomans, then at war with Nadir Shah, not to be misled by his overtures for peace. Though he might for the moment seek Turkish friendship, his intentions against Turkey were no less hostile than against Mughal India, and he would certainly betray any trust that was reposed in him. The two prospective victims of Nadir Shah’s aggression would be wise to make common cause against him. In a report presented by the ambassador himself to the Ottoman authorities, he gives specific evidence of Nadir Shah’s hostility and of Indian good will. Thus, for example, Nadir Shah had sent a mission to India to buy ships, but when it was learnt that they were for use against Turkey, their sale was prohibited. Now Nadir Shah was trying to make peace with the Ottomans. If they agreed to this, he would turn against India, and then, greatly enriched in arms, men, ships, supplies, and money, would return to the final conquest of the Ottoman realm. The Ottomans should not therefore be taken in by Nadir Shah’s deceitful peace-proposals, but should con­ tinue the war. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 618