New Delhi: India on Friday reiterated its firm stance on Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the matter is strictly bilateral and requires no external involvement.
The statement followed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he once again raised the Kashmir issue. Responding to the comments, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that New Delhi’s position remains unchanged.
“Our stand on Kashmir is very clear and consistent. There is no role for any third party in matters between India and Pakistan,” Jaiswal said.
In his UNGA speech, Erdogan said Turkey welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and urged that the Kashmir issue be resolved “on the basis of UN resolutions” through dialogue. He had voiced similar support for Islamabad in the past, drawing strong objections from New Delhi.
Rejecting his latest remarks, Jaiswal stated: “We strongly oppose such unwarranted comments on matters internal to India. A formal protest has been lodged with the Turkish ambassador. Any statement questioning India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable.”
He further noted that the core challenge in Jammu and Kashmir stems from Pakistan’s actions. “It would have been more appropriate if Pakistan’s policy of using cross-border terrorism—the biggest threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir—had been addressed,” he added.
On the sidelines of UNGA in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Cypriot counterpart, reaffirming India’s support for a “comprehensive and lasting settlement” of the Cyprus issue under the UN framework. Jaishankar also held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both sides reiterated their commitment to deepen strategic ties, boost cooperation on trade, energy, and critical minerals, and advance a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific through the Quad.
India’s sharp rejection of Erdogan’s comments comes amid Ankara’s growing alignment with Islamabad, including reports of Turkish-made drones being used by Pakistan during India’s counter-terror Operation Sindoor.
