India has strongly objected to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent remarks on Kashmir, made during his visit to Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that it had lodged a formal protest with the Turkish ambassador in New Delhi, calling Erdogan’s statements “unwarranted” and “unacceptable.”
India Rejects External Interference on Kashmir
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to a query on the issue, reaffirmed India’s stance, stating, “Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. No other country has any right to comment on it. We reject such objectionable remarks on matters internal to India.”
He further criticized Erdogan’s statement, highlighting that instead of interfering in India’s internal affairs, the focus should be on Pakistan’s continued use of cross-border terrorism, which remains the biggest threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Erdogan’s Statement on Kashmir Sparks Controversy
During his two-day visit to Pakistan last week, Erdogan commented that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with UN resolutions, keeping in mind the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He reiterated Turkey’s support for Pakistan on the issue, stating, “Our state and our nation, as in the past, stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today.”
India Stands Firm Against External Interference
India has consistently maintained that Kashmir is a sovereign issue and does not warrant external intervention. The Indian government has repeatedly emphasised that any discussions regarding the region will be handled internally and opposes any third-party involvement in its affairs.
The latest protest lodged with Turkey underscores India’s firm stance on the matter and sends a clear message against any foreign interference in its territorial integrity.