New Delhi, Feb 21: The Ministry of External Affairs expressed disapproval of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments regarding Kashmir, noting that a formal protest has been lodged with the Turkish ambassador.
During a recent visit to Islamabad, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for Pakistan concerning Kashmir and urged the need for UN dialogue to resolve the issue, as reported by The Express Tribune.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a weekly briefing, “We categorically reject such inappropriate remarks regarding issues that are core to India’s interests. We have issued a robust protest to the Turkish ambassador. Such unsolicited comments regarding India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable.”
Jaiswal affirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and he emphasized that Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism remains the primary threat to the region’s residents.
“Jammu and Kashmir are integral to India. It would have been prudent for Pakistan’s policy of employing cross-border terrorism against India—one of the greatest threats to the people of Jammu and Kashmir—to be condemned,” Jaiswal remarked.
The Express Tribune reported that Erdogan commended Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism and reaffirmed Turkey’s steadfast support for Pakistan on international matters, including the Kashmir dispute. He voiced Turkey’s solidarity with the people of Kashmir and advocated for resolving the conflict through dialogue in accordance with UN resolutions.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his appreciation for Turkey’s consistent backing on Kashmir, noting that the alliance between the two countries is founded on compassion and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, in response to the tragic passing of a 20-year-old Nepalese student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, Jaiswal expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all international students.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of the Nepali student at KIIT and offer our heartfelt condolences. The Government of India prioritizes the safety, security, and well-being of all international students. The MEA has maintained continuous communication with the Odisha government and KIIT authorities since this matter arose,” Jaiswal stated during a media briefing in Delhi. (Agencies)
