For the first time in years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has notably omitted Kashmir from his speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In previous years, Erdogan, known for his advocacy of the Muslim world, frequently raised the issue of Kashmir, the Muslim-majority region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This change in focus comes at a time when Turkey is seeking closer ties with India, a founding member of the BRICS group.
Erdogan instead dedicated his speech to conflicts in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine. He also strongly criticized Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing parallels between Netanyahu and Hitler and comparing Israel to Nazi Germany. Erdogan called for the international community to unite against them, similar to the alliance against the Nazis in World War II. He argued that Israel’s actions toward Palestinians require an international protection mechanism to safeguard civilians.
Erdogan’s past pronouncements on Kashmir have been consistent with his efforts to portray himself as the leader of the Muslim world. He has often used UNGA sessions to voice his support for the Kashmiri cause, particularly after India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. However, this year’s silence on Kashmir seems to reflect Turkey’s strategic shift towards improved relations with India.
In the past, Erdogan has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue. He has also expressed concern over the lack of peace between the two countries, attributing it to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. His remarks in 2023 were aimed at promoting regional peace and prosperity in South Asia, but notably, he made no mention of Kashmir.
The omission of Kashmir from Erdogan’s UNGA address has been seen by some as a significant shift in Turkey’s foreign policy. It remains to be seen whether this is a temporary adjustment or a more permanent change in Turkey’s approach to the Kashmir issue. The Turkish government has not yet released any official statements clarifying their position on the matter.
