India has delivered a firm message to Turkey, urging it to strongly implore Pakistan to cease its support for cross-border terrorism and to take verifiable and credible actions against the terror infrastructure it has been harboring for decades. This statement comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, and growing concerns over Turkey's increasing alignment with Pakistan.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal articulated India's position during a recent press briefing, emphasizing that relations between countries are built on mutual respect and sensitivity towards each other's concerns. The spokesperson's remarks underscore India's disappointment with Turkey's stance, especially considering Ankara's growing closeness with Islamabad. This closeness was particularly evident after the Pahalgam terror attack, where Turkey's response and support for Pakistan drew criticism from New Delhi.
The core of India's message revolves around Pakistan's alleged use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of providing safe havens and support to various terrorist groups operating across the border. India insists that Pakistan must take concrete steps to dismantle this terror ecosystem, a demand that has been a consistent element of India's foreign policy.
Furthermore, India has expressed its displeasure over Turkey's reaction to India's counter-terrorism operations. Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist launch pads across the border. While Turkey condemned the terror attack, it also criticized India's retaliatory strikes, claiming they escalated the risk of an all-out war. This stance was perceived by many in India as siding with Pakistan and disregarding India's concerns about its own security.
The tensions have also manifested in economic and social spheres. Calls for a boycott of Turkish goods have gained traction in India, reflecting the public's anger over Ankara's perceived support for Pakistan. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation, representing millions of grocery stores across the country, has announced an indefinite boycott of Turkish-origin goods, signaling a significant economic impact.
In addition to the diplomatic and economic dimensions, military aspects have also surfaced. India has presented evidence of Turkish-made drones being used by Pakistan in military escalations, further highlighting the close military relationship between Ankara and Islamabad. This military cooperation has added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between India and Turkey.
India's message to Turkey also included a reiteration of its stance on bilateral discussions with Pakistan. New Delhi has made it clear that any dialogue with Islamabad is contingent upon Pakistan taking action against terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that talks and terror cannot coexist, and that India is open to discussing the handover of terrorists whose list has already been provided to Pakistan. Moreover, India maintains that any discussion on Jammu and Kashmir will only pertain to the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan.
The situation is further complicated by international reactions and diplomatic maneuvering. India has been actively engaging with other nations to garner support for its position on counter-terrorism and to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Multiple all-party delegations have been dispatched to various countries, including Russia, Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain, to rally international support for India's efforts to combat terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
