Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again raised the Kashmir issue on the global stage, urging India and Pakistan to resolve their “long-standing territorial dispute” through dialogue and in line with United Nations resolutions.

Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s General Debate, Erdogan said:

“The issue of Kashmir should be resolved on the basis of the resolutions of the UN, for the best of our sisters and brothers in Kashmir, through dialogue, we hope.”

Erdogan on India-Pakistan tensions

Erdogan referred to the recent escalation in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where a terrorist attack killed 26 men, sparking days of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

“We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved following the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, which had escalated into a conflict,” he told the Assembly, stressing that peace and stability in South Asia were of “utmost importance.”

Why the remarks matter

Erdogan’s intervention reflects Turkey’s continued diplomatic engagement in South Asia. His repeated references to Kashmir have often drawn criticism from India, given Ankara’s close ties with Pakistan.

In past instances, Erdogan has:

  • Publicly referred to Pakistan as a “brother nation.”
  • Allegedly supported Pakistan with Bayraktar TB2 drones, YIHA UAVs, and operatives during military escalations.
  • Drawn backlash in India, including calls for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism.

The recent conflict and its aftermath

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting militant infrastructure across the Line of Control. The strikes sparked four days of intense clashes, which ended after a ceasefire understanding on May 10, agreed upon in a phone call between the DGMOs of both countries.

Reports also suggested that two Turkish operatives were killed during joint missions with Pakistan, fuelling further controversy around Ankara’s involvement.

India’s response

While Erdogan’s latest remarks call for a UN-led solution, New Delhi has consistently maintained that Kashmir is an internal matter of India and any discussions with Pakistan must be conducted bilaterally, without third-party mediation.