Why Turkey Skipped Kashmir in Speech

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently made headlines by omitting Jammu and Kashmir in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This event, viewed as a diplomatic victory for India, has rattled Pakistan. The potential shift in Turkey’s stance could be linked to its aspirations to join the BRICS group and strengthening ties with India.

Erdogan’s omission of Kashmir marks a significant change in Turkey’s position. This decision comes at a time when Turkey is seeking to expand its alliances beyond the West. As recently as February, Turkey joined forces with Pakistan to discuss the Kashmir issue.

India expressed its discontent, with First Secretary Anupama Singh stating, “We regret the comment made by Turkey.” Pakistan, which relied on Erdogan’s support regarding Kashmir, is concerned about this sudden change.

A spokesperson for Turkey’s leading AK Party mentioned, “Our president has repeatedly stated our desire to join BRICS.” The BRICS group, which now includes several new members, plays a crucial role in global economics.

Even Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif did not mention Kashmir during his discussions with Erdogan. Instead, he focused on the situation in Gaza.

Former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi noted this surprising shift, stating, “Unlike the last five years, President Erdogan did not mention Kashmir in his UN speech.”

Thus, Erdogan’s choice to skip Kashmir may reflect Turkey’s growing interest in strengthening ties with India, especially in economic terms. This shift poses a significant challenge for Pakistan as it navigates the loss of a close ally.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch remarked, “We should not draw any undue inferences from one statement.”

Given this change in Turkey’s stance, it is clear that Erdogan’s decision has become a challenge for Pakistan as it seeks to maintain its diplomatic relationships.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio