Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Jairam Thakur has called on the central government to adopt a tougher diplomatic stance against Turkey, similar to the one taken against Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, Thakur stated that Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan’s anti-India rhetoric, especially on the Kashmir issue, and has frequently interfered in India’s internal affairs.
He said that while India has rightly taken strong diplomatic and political measures against Pakistan for its role in promoting terrorism and cross-border violence, similar actions must also be initiated against Turkey, which has echoed Pakistan’s stance on global platforms, including the United Nations.
Jairam Thakur criticized Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his repeated statements criticizing India's policies in Jammu and Kashmir. “Turkey has no role to play in our internal matters. Yet, their leadership continues to support Pakistan’s propaganda. This is unacceptable and must be addressed firmly through diplomatic channels,” said Thakur.
He urged the Indian government to review its diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagements with Turkey. “If we want to protect our national integrity and send a clear message globally, we must be consistent in our foreign policy. Just as we isolate Pakistan on international forums, Turkey too should face similar consequences for meddling in our domestic affairs,” he added.
Thakur also pointed out that Turkey has increasingly positioned itself as a vocal critic of India in international discussions, especially concerning minority rights and the Kashmir issue. He said such actions are not only politically motivated but are also in violation of diplomatic norms.
Responding to questions about the impact on trade and people-to-people ties, Thakur stated that India must prioritize its national interests. “Trade relations or bilateral engagements should not come at the cost of our sovereignty. We must be clear in our messaging that interference will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
He further added that several other countries have taken note of Turkey’s aggressive foreign policy and have revised their diplomatic ties accordingly. “India should not hesitate to do the same if our sovereignty is being questioned or challenged,” said Thakur.
Thakur’s remarks come at a time when geopolitical tensions in South Asia are increasingly influenced by external players. His comments reflect a broader sentiment within certain political circles calling for a more assertive and national-interest driven foreign policy approach by India.
As of now, the central government has not officially responded to Thakur's remarks, but they are expected to stir debate in both political and diplomatic communities.
