Turkey's Erdogan omits Kashmir from UN speech for first time since 2019, changes stand citing BRICS membership

Erdogan at UN (File Photo)

For the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not mention the issue of Kashmir in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This marked a notable departure from his previous annual speeches, where he consistently raised the Kashmir issue, especially after India revoked the region's special status.

Erdogan’s omission is particularly striking as he has long used the UNGA platform to criticise India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir, often framing them as detrimental to peace and stability in the region. His previous remarks have been perceived as unwarranted interference in India’s domestic affairs, a stance that New Delhi has consistently rejected. Since 2019, Erdogan had positioned himself as a vocal advocate for Kashmir, stating in his 2019 speech, "In order for the Kashmiri people to look at a safe future together with their Pakistani and Indian neighbours, it is imperative to solve the problem through dialogue and on the basis of justice and equity, not through clashes."

This year, however, Erdogan's focus shifted predominantly to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, where he sharply criticised the UN for what he described as transforming Palestinian territory into the "world's largest cemetery." The lack of any mention of Kashmir was particularly notable, leaving analysts wondering about the reasons behind this significant change in rhetoric. One possible explanation could be India’s rising global status, which may have influenced Erdogan’s decision to soften his stance.

Erdogan's historical support for Pakistan regarding Kashmir has been evident in his various speeches over the years. In 2020, he labelled the Kashmir "conflict" a "burning issue" and reiterated calls for dialogue in line with UN resolutions. He even suggested that millions in the region were "virtually under blockade," necessitating international intervention. Despite the Turkish president's support for Pakistan, India has consistently responded firmly to his comments, urging him to respect the sovereignty of other nations and reconsider his stance on internal matters.

Additionally, Erdogan has been nurturing closer ties with Pakistan, pledging ongoing support for Islamabad's position on Kashmir during a visit in February 2020. This has further solidified Turkey's relationship with Pakistan, despite Erdogan's earlier vocal support for Kashmir at the UN.

This year’s speech at the 79th UNGA reflects a potential shift in Turkey's international priorities and perhaps a strategic diplomatic manoeuvre aimed at improving relations with India. As Erdogan stated, "We maintain our will to develop our relations with BRICS, which brings together emerging economies," signalling a broader focus on strengthening Turkey's ties with emerging powers.

The founding members of BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—decided last year to expand the grouping. New members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, will officially join on January 1, 2024. All members are expected to attend the BRICS leaders’ summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also indicated he expects Erdogan to attend this summit, which could further influence Turkey's diplomatic positioning.

As the world watches these developments, the shift in Erdogan’s approach to Kashmir suggests a complex interplay of geopolitical dynamics, reflecting Turkey's evolving priorities and India's increasing influence on the global stage. This change could signify a new chapter in Turkey's foreign policy, where strategic alliances take precedence over past grievances.