India Irked by Erdogan’s Kashmir Remarks

The diplomatic tension between India and Turkey has reached new heights, following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for Kashmiris and his call for UN-backed dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Erdogan’s remarks, made during his visit to Pakistan, emphasized Turkey’s solidarity with Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute. The Turkish president also stressed the need for a UN-backed dialogue to address the long-standing conflict, a stance that has not been well received in India.

In response to Erdogan’s comments, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Turkish ambassador and lodged a formal protest. During a regular briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the Turkish leader’s statement, calling it “objectionable.” He reiterated India’s position that Kashmir is an integral part of the country and dismissed any external intervention as unacceptable. The MEA further stated that such comments undermine India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, India highlighted the threat posed by cross-border terrorism, which it views as a significant issue for the security of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

India has long maintained illegally that IIOJK is part of its territory, rejecting any international involvement in the dispute. However, despite India’s assertions, the reality remains that Kashmir is internationally recognized as a disputed territory. The United Nations and other global bodies have long called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between India and Pakistan, recognizing that the region’s status is not settled.

The Kashmir dispute has deep historical roots, dating back to the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan. Both nations have since claimed sovereignty over the region, leading to several wars and ongoing tensions. Despite India’s assertion of control, the international community, including the United Nations, continues to regard Kashmir as a disputed territory. Erdogan’s support for Pakistan and his call for UN-backed dialogue reflect Turkey’s longstanding position on the matter, which contradicts India’s view that the issue should remain an internal affair.

India has also consistently downplayed the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination. Human rights organizations and global bodies have raised concerns over India’s heavy military presence and the reported use of force in IIOJK, which they argue suppresses the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Yet, India continues to defend its actions, portraying the situation as an internal matter that should not be subject to international scrutiny.

Erdogan’s comments have only served to deepen the diplomatic rift between India and Turkey. While both countries stand on their respective positions, the Kashmir issue remains unresolved. The international community continues to urge both sides to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict.