New Delhi : Turkey has clarified that its friendly relations with Pakistan should not be viewed as affecting its bilateral ties with India. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that several countries maintain good relations with Pakistan, and this should not be interpreted as a stance against India.
Turkey’s Statement
Speaking at an international forum, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey aims to maintain strong and balanced relations with India. He emphasized that its friendly ties with Pakistan do not imply any hostility towards India.
He further added that many countries around the world have positive relations with Pakistan, and therefore, ties with Pakistan should not be used as a measure to define relations with India.
Impact on India–Turkey Relations
In recent years, India–Turkey relations have witnessed occasional strain, particularly over Turkey’s stance on Pakistan and the Kashmir issue. Despite this, both countries have continued efforts to maintain engagement in areas such as trade, tourism, and economic cooperation.
Diplomatic Message
According to experts, Turkey’s statement is seen as an attempt to maintain balance—preserving its longstanding relationship with Pakistan while also strengthening economic and strategic ties with India.
Regional Context
Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, several countries continue to maintain separate levels of engagement with both India and Pakistan, making diplomatic balancing increasingly complex.