Erdogan raises Kashmir issue again in UN, calls India to engage with Pakistan

New Delhi: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly has sparked renewed international attention on the longstanding Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan. During his speech, Erdogan called for "dialogue and cooperation" between the two nations to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Erdogan's statement comes on the heels of his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, suggesting that diplomatic efforts may be underway to address the Kashmir issue. The Turkish President emphasized Turkey's commitment to supporting any steps taken toward a "just and lasting peace" in Kashmir.

This is not the first time Erdogan has addressed the Kashmir conflict at the United Nations. In 2021, he expressed disappointment that India and Pakistan, despite gaining sovereignty and independence 75 years ago, had not established lasting peace and solidarity.

In 2020, Erdogan referred to Jammu and Kashmir as a "burning issue" and underscored its importance in achieving stability and peace in South Asia. He also criticized India's decision to abrogate Article 370 of its Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it had "further complicated the problem."

India responded strongly to Erdogan's previous comments, describing them as "completely unacceptable" and accusing Turkey of interfering in its internal affairs. India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, called on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of other nations and urged introspection regarding its foreign policy.