For the first time in years, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan did not reference the Kashmir issue during his address at the United Nations General Assembly, a decision that has been met with approval in India.
This omission is notable and could raise concerns in Pakistan, marking a significant change in Erdoğan’s stance. Indian social media users have speculated that Turkey’s evolving diplomatic relations with India may have influenced his choice.
Former Ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani remarked that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the only leader to mention Kashmir during the UNGA. He questioned the realism of Pakistan’s position, stating, “For years, Pakistanis have talked about resolving the ‘Kashmir dispute’ based on UN resolutions. If, aside from the Pakistani PM, none of the 193 UNGA speakers mentioned Kashmir, how realistic is that sentiment?”
In previous years, Erdoğan consistently highlighted Kashmir in his UNGA addresses, calling for resolution of the long-standing dispute, while India has repeatedly urged him to respect its sovereignty. In earlier remarks, Erdoğan drew attention to the plight of Kashmiris, asserting that millions were “virtually under blockade.”
Historically, Erdoğan has been a strong advocate for Kashmir at the UN. In his 2020 speech, he criticized India’s abrogation of Article 370, suggesting it worsened the situation. In 2021, he reiterated Turkey’s position that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue in accordance with UN resolutions.
Erdoğan has cultivated a close relationship with Pakistan, pledging support for Islamabad’s stance on Kashmir during his visit in February 2020. However, his recent silence at this year’s UNGA could signal a strategic shift in Turkey’s international priorities, reflecting India’s rising influence as a global power.
