Erdogan Expresses Hope on Kashmir During UN General Assembly Speech

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly. He spoke during the high-level debate in New York on Tuesday. His comments have drawn a swift and firm response from the Indian government.

The Turkish leader expressed pleasure with the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He then called for the Kashmir issue to be resolved through dialogue.

Details of the UNGA Remarks and India’s Firm Rejection

President Erdogan’s statement directly referenced United Nations resolutions. He said a resolution was needed “for the best of our sisters and brothers in Kashmir.” This marks a return to his previous stance after he notably avoided the topic in his 2024 UN speech.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Erdogan addressed the assembly directly. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded within hours. Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India completely rejects the comments.

Jaiswal emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. He said no other country has the right to comment on its internal affairs. The MEA also pointed to cross-border terrorism as the real threat to the region.

A Shift in Diplomatic Rhetoric and Its Implications

The timing of these remarks is significant. Last year, President Erdogan did not mention Kashmir at the UN. Analysts noted this shift coincided with Turkey’s interest in joining the BRICS bloc, where India is a key member.

This year’s comments suggest a recalibration. Erdogan had made similar statements during a visit to Pakistan earlier this year. The repetition at the UNGA signals a persistent diplomatic position.

The strong Indian rebuttal underscores New Delhi’s consistent policy on Kashmir. It shows India will immediately counter any international perception of the region as a disputed territory.

The Indian government maintains that the status of Jammu and Kashmir is a settled matter. President Erdogan’s UN speech has reaffirmed the diplomatic divergences between the two nations. This ensures the issue will remain a sensitive point in bilateral relations.

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What did President Erdogan say about Kashmir at the UN?

He stated Turkey was pleased with the India-Pakistan ceasefire. He then called for the Kashmir issue to be resolved through dialogue based on UN resolutions.

How did India respond to these comments?

India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong rejection. It stated Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that no other country has a locus standi to comment on it.

Did Erdogan mention Kashmir at the UN last year?

No, he notably skipped any mention of Kashmir in his 2024 UN General Assembly speech. This shift was widely observed at the time.

Why is the timing of these remarks significant?

The remarks come amid Turkey’s reported interest in joining the BRICS group. India is a founding member of BRICS, making the diplomatic context delicate.

What is India’s official position on Kashmir?

India’s position is that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of the country. It considers discussions on the matter as internal affairs.