'No need for any third party to mediate,' says MEA after Turkish President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

The Ministry of External Affairs India reiterated that India' stance on the Kashmir issue is quite clear and there is no need for any third party to mediate on the bilateral issues between India and Pakistan.

Following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir made during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on Kashmir has remained consistent.

“Our stand on the Kashmir issue is very clear, there has been no change in it. As far as mediation is concerned, there too, there is no need for any third party to mediate on the bilateral issues between India and Pakistan,” Jaiswal asserted.

Erdogan had told the UNGA that Turkey was “pleased” with the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and urged that the Kashmir issue be resolved “on the basis of UN resolutions” through dialogue. The statement mirrored Turkey’s earlier position, where Erdogan had backed Pakistan on the Kashmir issue during his visit to Islamabad, drawing sharp criticism from New Delhi.

Rejecting Ankara’s stance, Jaiswal said: “We reject such objectionable comments on matters that are internal to India. We have lodged a strong protest with the Turkish ambassador. Such unwarranted statements on India's territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable.”

He further underlined that the real challenge in Jammu and Kashmir stemmed from Pakistan’s actions. “It would have been better if Pakistan's policy of using cross-border terrorism against India, which remains the biggest threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had been called out,” he added.

The spokesperson also confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his Cypriot counterpart recently and reiterated India’s support for a “comprehensive and lasting settlement” in North Cyprus under the agreed UN framework.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar also held bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-US ties and advancing a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific through the Quad. The talks covered a range of strategic issues including trade, energy, and cooperation in critical minerals.

India’s firm rejection of Erdogan’s remarks comes against the backdrop of Turkey’s increasing alignment with Pakistan, including Ankara’s reported support during India’s anti-terror Operation Sindoor, when Pakistani forces deployed Turkish-made drones against Indian installations.