For the first time in years, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan did not mention the Kashmir issue during his address at the United Nations General Assembly, a move that has been received with satisfaction in India.

His omission should raise eyebrows in Pakistan, as it marks a significant shift in Erdoğan’s approach. Indian social media users claimed that Turkey’s evolving diplomatic relations with India may have influenced his decision.

Former Ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani also commented on the issue saying Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif was the only one to brought up Kashmir at the UN General Assembly mooy.

“For years Pakistanis have talked about wanting to resolve the ‘Kashmir dispute’ on basis of UN resolutions. If, except Pakistan PM, none of the speakers from 193 members at UNGA mention Kashmir, how realistic is the Pakistani sentiment?”

For years in a row, Erdogan mentioned Kashmir in his UNGA address calling for the resolution of decades old dispute while India has consistently responded to Erdoğan’s comments, urging him to respect its sovereignty.

During his previous remarks, Erdoğan highlighted the plight of Kashmiris and called for international attention, even asserting that millions were “virtually under blockade.”

Historically, Erdoğan has been a vocal advocate for Kashmir at the UN. In his 2020 speech, he criticized India’s abrogation of Article 370, claiming it exacerbated the situation.

In 2021, he reaffirmed Turkey’s long-standing position that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue and in line with UN resolutions.

Read more

In pictures: Swearing in ceremony of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Old video of Erdogan reciting Allama Iqbal poetry resurfaces on social media

Erdogan to make ‘important’ grain announcement after Putin talks

Erdoğan has cultivated a close relationship with Pakistan, pledging support for Islamabad’s position on Kashmir during his visit in February 2020.

Yet, his recent silence on the issue at this year’s UNGA could indicate a strategic shift in Turkey’s international priorities, reflecting India’s growing influence as a global power.