Srinagar, Sept 25: In a notable shift, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for the first time in years, did not raise the issue of Kashmir during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Instead, Erdogan directed his attention towards the conflicts in Syria and the Gaza Strip, while continuing his criticism of Israel and championing the Palestinian cause.
In recent years, Erdogan has frequently highlighted the Kashmir issue as part of his broader attempt to position himself as a leader of the Muslim world. His rhetoric on Kashmir intensified following India’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and divided it into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Historically, Erdogan has used platforms like the UNGA to advocate for Kashmir, aligning it with his Islamist foreign policy. However, this year’s omission comes at a time when Turkey is keen on strengthening its international standing, particularly as it eyes membership in BRICS, a group where India plays a pivotal role as a founding member.
The absence of any mention of Kashmir in Erdogan’s speech signals a possible recalibration of his diplomatic approach amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
