In a striking departure from the past few years, Turkish President Erdogan chose not to mention the issue of Kashmir during his address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly this year. This marked the first time since 2019 that Erdogan refrained from raising the matter at such a high-profile global forum, breaking from a tradition he had steadfastly maintained. Erdogan’s decision is noteworthy for several reasons. For the past several years, Erdogan has used the UNGA as a platform to voice concerns over India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of Article 370, triggering strong reactions from Pakistan and, to a lesser extent, Turkey. Erdogan repeatedly framed the issue as a human rights concern, criticising India for what he perceived as its heavy-handed policies in the region. His comments often mirrored those of Pakistan, a long-time ally of Turkey. They were perceived as an attempt to position himself as a leader advocating for the rights of Muslim populations globally. However, these statements did not sit well with India. New Delhi dismissed Erdogan’s comments as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs and countered that Kashmir is an integral part of India. The Indian Government’s displeasure was palpable, and diplomatic relations between the two countries became increasingly strained. Despite this, Erdogan remained vocal about the issue, ensuring that it became a staple of his annual speeches at the UN.
This year’s omission of Kashmir from Erdogan’s UNGA speech was striking in its significance. It seems to reflect a deliberate diplomatic shift. Instead of focusing on Kashmir, Erdogan concentrated on other pressing global issues, particularly the Israel-Gaza conflict. One possible explanation for Erdogan’s softened stance on Kashmir is the changing global geopolitical landscape. India’s rising stature on the world stage, coupled with its burgeoning economic and political influence, may have influenced Erdogan’s calculus. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and an increasingly influential player in international diplomacy, India has cultivated strong relationships with key global powers, including the United States, Russia, and major European nations. This growing influence may have made it less prudent for Turkey to persist with rhetoric that no one wants to buy anymore.
Another factor that may have influenced Erdogan’s decision is the changing relationship between Turkey and India. Over the past year, there have been subtle signs of rapprochement between the two countries. Turkey and India have explored economic partnerships and trade agreements, recognising the mutual benefits of cooperation in areas like defence, energy, and technology. In a world increasingly defined by multipolarity, both nations have recognised that diplomatic engagement is a more productive approach than adversarial posturing.
Erdogan’s decision to tone down his rhetoric on Kashmir could also be seen as part of a broader trend of pragmatism in his foreign policy. Erdogan’s Government appears to prioritise economic recovery and regional stability over ideological pursuits. Turkey, like many other nations, is navigating a complex global environment, and maintaining positive relations with a rising power like India is likely seen as a strategic imperative.
For India, Erdogan’s omission of Kashmir from his UNGA speech is undoubtedly a welcome development. It opens the door for deeper cooperation between the two nations. A reduction in friction over the Kashmir issue could pave the way for more constructive engagement between the two countries. However, it remains to be seen whether this change in tone will translate into a long-term shift in Turkey’s policy toward India and Kashmir. Erdogan’s government has historically been supportive of Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. The dynamics between Turkey, Pakistan, and India are complex. For India, this development presents an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Turkey, a key player in both the Middle East and Europe. For Turkey, it reflects an acknowledgement of India’s growing global influence and the importance of maintaining positive relations with the South Asian giant.
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