Turkish President Erdoğan's support for Pakistan sparks tension with India. Erdoğan's interference in the Kashmir and Indus Waters disputes strains India-Turkey relations.
Turkey-Pakistan: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has once again openly supported Pakistan. In a recent statement, Erdoğan praised Pakistan effusively and directly criticized India. This stance has further strained India-Turkey relations.
Erdoğan Praises Pakistan
The Turkish President lauded Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani people, stating that Pakistan responded to India's "unprovoked attacks" with patience and wisdom. He reiterated Turkey's unwavering support for Pakistan through thick and thin.
This is not the first instance of Erdoğan openly supporting Pakistan in the India-Pakistan dispute. Turkey has repeatedly voiced its support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, particularly on international platforms like the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation).
Turkey's Comments on the Water Dispute and Ceasefire
Erdoğan welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He expressed hope that this peaceful atmosphere would contribute to resolving critical issues like the water dispute.
His statement comes at a time when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pulwama attack in Kashmir. This treaty, a decades-old agreement governing water sharing between India and Pakistan, provides Pakistan with water from the Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus rivers. This suspension has sparked renewed debate.
The Depth of Turkey-Pakistan Relations
Turkey and Pakistan's relationship extends beyond religious ties. Both countries are strengthening their bonds in defense, trade, and global politics. Turkey is assisting Pakistan with military equipment and technology, and trade between the two nations is also growing.
India's Strong Response and Trade War Impact
Following Turkey's stance, India has taken b countermeasures. Indian traders have decided to halt imports of products like marble and apples from Turkey. Furthermore, many Indian tourists have canceled their travel plans to Istanbul and other parts of Turkey.
