Turkey Declares Support for Pakistan in Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir Issue

Turkey Declares Support for Pakistan in Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir Issue
April 29, 2025 – Anadolu Agency Report

Turkey has reaffirmed its longstanding position on the Kashmir issue and is strengthening its strategic relationship with Pakistan, according to a recent report by the Anadolu Agency. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently held a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The discussion included the recent tensions between India and Pakistan.

The dialogue took place following a deadly terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir, where at least 26 civilians—most of them tourists—were killed. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers. However, Pakistan denied the allegation, condemned the attack, and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Escalating Tensions and Retaliatory Measures
In response to the attack, both India and Pakistan took several tough diplomatic and trade-related measures. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani military advisors, and halted visa services. Pakistan, in turn, expelled Indian military advisors, suspended trade, reduced diplomatic presence, and closed its airspace to Indian flights.

Turkey's Historical Position on Kashmir
Turkey has shown interest in mediating a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue in the past. During the early years of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, Turkish leadership attempted to encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to India in 2008 symbolized that effort.

In recent years, however, Erdoğan has publicly expressed support for Pakistan regarding Kashmir. When India revoked the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, Turkey voiced concern and assured its support for Pakistan.

Shifts in Regional Strategy
As Turkey and Pakistan deepen their ties, India is simultaneously enhancing its defense cooperation with Armenia, increasing its presence in the South Caucasus. Experts believe this is India’s strategy to balance the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan alliance.

Meanwhile, the rise of Islamophobia and discriminatory treatment of Muslim minorities in India has raised international concerns, affecting India’s relations with Muslim-majority countries like Turkey.

High-Level Strategic Partnership
In February 2025, President Erdoğan visited Pakistan and co-chaired the seventh session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. During the visit, Erdoğan once again reiterated Turkey’s strong support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

He stated, “The Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue, in accordance with UN resolutions, and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

This statement drew strong reactions from India. New Delhi labeled the remarks as “unwarranted” and an “interference in India’s sovereignty,” and lodged a formal protest with the Turkish ambassador.