Why Erdogan skipped mention of Kashmir at UN for first time since 2019 | Explained | World News

Erdoğan, known for his pro-Pakistan and anti-India stance, is eager to join the BRICS group and has formally applied for membership among the emerging-market nations. Given that India is one of the founding members, it would not have welcomed a statement regarding Kashmir. Turkey’s parliament speaker, Numan Kurtulmuş, stated to a local news outlet that the country aims to join the group “as soon as possible.”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (PTI image)

New Delhi: Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan did not mention Kashmir in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Union Territory has been a significant part of Erdoğan’s addresses for years. This year, Erdoğan’s silence on Kashmir is being seen as a significant step towards the positive development of India-Turkey relations amid its bid to join BRICS.

What has changed?

Erdoğan, known for his pro-Pakistan and anti-India stance, is eager to join the BRICS group and has formally applied for membership among the emerging-market nations. Given that India is one of the founding members, it would not have welcomed a statement regarding Kashmir. Turkey’s parliament speaker, Numan Kurtulmuş, stated to a local news outlet that the country aims to join the group “as soon as possible.”

He expressed, “I would like to once again affirm Turkey’s clear and sincere intention to be part of new alliances that will contribute to the development of a multipolar world, including its membership in BRICS.” According to a Bloomberg report, Turkey seeks to enhance its global influence and establish new relationships beyond its traditional Western allies. Erdoğan’s administration believes that the geopolitical landscape is shifting away from developed economies. The BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, encompasses some of the largest emerging economies.

Turkey not a part of European Union

While Turkey is a member of NATO, it is not part of the European Union. It has been in discussions to join the EU since the early 2000s but has faced numerous challenges. Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party has accused Western nations of hindering Turkey’s aspirations for a self-sufficient defense industry and a robust economy. The president has repeatedly called for reform of the United Nations Security Council to expand its five permanent members.

This year, BRICS welcomed four new members: Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Saudi Arabia is also expected to join the group. BRICS positions itself as an alternative to what its members perceive as Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. New members may gain access to financing through its development bank and expand their political and trade relations.

Turkey believes that joining BRICS could enhance economic cooperation with Russia and China and establish itself as a trade conduit between the EU and Asia. It aims to become a hub for gas exports from Russia and Central Asia.

Erdogan’s Kashmir tirade over the years

Erdoğan, over the years has repeatedly raised the ‘Kashmir issue’ at the UN. In his 2023 speech, he echoed Pakistan’s sentiments, stating that dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan would lead to peace in Kashmir, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

In 2022, Erdoğan also brought up the Kashmir issue, expressing hope for a “just and lasting peace” in the region. In 2021, he called for the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions. In 2020, he labelled Kashmir a “burning issue” and demanded that India reverse its decision to abrogate Article 370.

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