Turkey’s President Erdogan’s omission of Kashmir in his UNGA speech signifies a notable shift in Turkish diplomatic stance, interpreted as a move towards strengthening ties with India and pursuing BRICS membership, which has alarmed Pakistan.
In a significant diplomatic shift, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan notably omitted any reference to Jammu and Kashmir during his recent address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), marking the first instance in multiple years where the contentious region was not mentioned in Erdogan’s speech. This omission is perceived as a diplomatic victory for India and a blow to Pakistan, which had relied on Erdogan’s vocal support regarding Kashmir. Erdogan’s absence of commentary on Kashmir comes at a crucial time for Turkey as it positions itself for membership in the BRICS bloc, seeking to forge stronger alliances beyond traditional Western ties. This is particularly noteworthy given that Turkey had previously allied with Pakistan in raising concerns over Kashmir at various international forums, including the 55th Human Rights Council of the UN. The Pakistani government, while rattled by this change, has attempted to downplay its significance. A spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling AK Party reiterated Turkey’s long-standing aspirations to join BRICS, emphasizing the ongoing processes in that regard. This year, BRICS expanded to include new members, further increasing its geopolitical impact. The abandonment of the Kashmir reference is significant due to Erdogan’s established pattern of highlighting this issue over the past five years at the UNGA. The lack of engagement on Kashmir was marked by former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi, who noted this deviation from Erdogan’s previous speeches. Furthermore, even amidst discussions between Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif during UNGA, Kashmir was not prioritized, as discussions shifted to other pressing regional issues, such as the situation in Gaza. Analyses indicate that Erdogan’s omission is a reflection of Turkey’s growing interest in enhancing relations with India, particularly in economic matters, signaling a potential strategic pivot for Turkey.
Turkey’s historical support for Pakistan concerning the Kashmir issue has undergone noticeable changes recently, particularly as Erdogan seeks closer ties with India and aims for Turkey’s inclusion in BRICS. This shift points to a broader re-evaluation of Turkey’s foreign policy strategy, particularly as it looks to counterbalance influences from Western alliances. The significance of the Kashmir issue has remained a focal point in Turkish diplomacy, but recent developments indicate a potential reprioritization in light of strategic economic partnerships and geopolitical aspirations.
The recent omission of Kashmir from President Erdogan’s UNGA speech marks a pivotal shift in Turkish policy that has unsettled Pakistan, which has depended on Turkey as a supporter of its stance on Kashmir. As Turkey aspires to join BRICS and strengthen ties with India, the implications of this diplomatic shift may reshape regional dynamics, necessitating a reassessment of alliances and support regarding the Kashmir issue.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
