When it comes to Kashmir, why does Turkey become an enemy of India?
India and Turkey have enjoyed diplomatic and economic relations for decades. Their relationship has, however, been strained by Turkey's persistent support of Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir. India's attempts to build good relations with Turkey notwithstanding, the latter's position regarding Kashmir has been a bone of contention.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly stated that he supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Erdogan declared that Turkey stands strong with Pakistan and that the strain between India and Pakistan should be reduced. Erdogan made this statement despite the fact that Turkey's ambassador to India had sent condolences to the attack victims. Erdogan's comments have been interpreted as pro-Pakistani, and India has formally reacted to Erdogan's comments by declaring them to be unacceptable and unfounded.
History of India-Turkey relations
India and Turkey have been having diplomatic relations since 1948. Although there have been attempts to improve economic ties, such as the signing of an economic accord in 1973, the relationship has been tense at times. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Turkey in 2015 and Erdogan's state visit to India in 2017 were viewed as attempts to mend ties.However, the Kashmir problem continues to be a big irritant.
Economic relations
Even under strained relations, bilateral trade has been on an increasing trend between India and Turkey. In FY 2022-23, bilateral trade rose by 28.99%. India has also extended humanitarian support to Turkey, including the earthquake in February 2023. Yet, due to the absence of high-level visits and encounters between the two countries, the development of economic relations has remained stunted.
Expert analysis
Turkey's position regarding Kashmir is according to its OIC membership since the organization has been supportive of Pakistan in every case related to the issue. The fact that India is very close to other Muslim countries has not made Turkey change its views. Turkey and Pakistan being closely associated have created Erdogan's cooperation with Pakistan in the issue of Kashmir.
Turkey's persistent support for Pakistan on the Kashmir
The tense India-Turkey relations are mainly because of Turkey's persistent support for Pakistan on the Kashmir question. Although India has attempted to improve economic relationsSince the situation between India and Pakistan remains volatile, Turkey is most likely to keep supporting Pakistan, which will again strain India-Turkey relations.
