By b.patel 
New Delhi/Islamabad: India has issued a sharp response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan, calling them “objectionable and unwarranted.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Turkey should respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and refrain from commenting on its internal affairs.
India’s Official Response
India’s MEA spokesperson emphasized that Kashmir is an integral part of India and any attempt to internationalize the issue is rejected outright. “We strongly object to any comments that misrepresent the ground reality in Jammu and Kashmir. Such statements are unwarranted and do not contribute to regional peace and stability,” the spokesperson said.
What Did Erdoğan Say?
During his visit to Islamabad, Erdoğan reiterated his support for Pakistan on Kashmir, calling it a “human rights issue” and drawing parallels with the Palestinian cause. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from New Delhi, which has consistently maintained that Kashmir is an internal matter and that any discussions should take place bilaterally between India and Pakistan.
Turkey-Pakistan Relations and India’s Concerns
Turkey and Pakistan share close diplomatic ties, and Ankara has been vocal in supporting Islamabad on the Kashmir issue at international forums. This has led to strained relations between India and Turkey, with New Delhi previously expressing concerns over Ankara’s stance on its internal matters.
India-Turkey Diplomatic Tensions
This is not the first time India has objected to Turkish comments on Kashmir. In 2020, India downgraded defense and trade ties with Turkey after Erdoğan raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly. The latest remarks are expected to further impact diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Global Reactions
While Pakistan has welcomed Turkey’s stance, India has urged the global community to respect its sovereignty. Many international players, including the United States and European Union, have recognized Jammu and Kashmir as an internal matter of India and have encouraged peaceful bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Conclusion
The ongoing tensions highlight the geopolitical complexities in South Asia. India has reaffirmed its firm stance on Kashmir and warned against external interference. As diplomatic reactions unfold, the impact of these statements on India-Turkey relations remains to be seen.