Erdogan Shifts Focus: Drops Kashmir, Highlights Gaza Crisis at UNGA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not mention the Kashmir issue during his speech at the UN General Assembly, a notable first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Instead, his 35-minute address concentrated on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite this, Pakistan insists Turkiye's position on Kashmir has not changed, although Erdogan's apparent shift comes as the country aims for BRICS membership.

In a departure from his usual speeches, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not bring up the Kashmir issue during his address at the United Nations General Assembly this year, marking a first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Erdogan devoted his 35-minute speech to emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting that over 40,000 people have died in Israeli attacks against Hamas.

Following India's removal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status under the Constitution in 2019, Erdogan consistently addressed the Kashmir issue during his annual UNGA speeches, advocating for talks between New Delhi and Islamabad.

However, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry maintains that Turkey's stance on Kashmir remains unchanged. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that "any undue inferences" should not be made from Erdogan's omission this year.

Baloch reiterated that Turkey has a "consistent and principled position" on the Kashmir dispute.

Erdogan's omission is perceived as a potential shift in Turkey's stance, coinciding with its efforts to join the BRICS economic group, of which India is a founding member.

Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani diplomat, noted this apparent change in Turkey's position on social media, detecting a shift in Erdogan's long-standing support for the Kashmir issue.

President Erdogan has previously been vocal about Kashmir, affecting relations between India and Turkey. In his UNGA address last year, he called for a "just and lasting peace" in Kashmir through dialogue between India and Pakistan.

India has historically rejected Erdogan's comments, urging Turkey to respect its sovereignty. This year, Erdogan focused on the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, criticizing the UN's failure to prevent civilian deaths during Israeli attacks.

Reiterating his famous phrase, "The world is bigger than five," Erdogan accused Western countries, including the US and major EU nations, of inaction over the Gaza conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)