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

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.