Turkish President omits reference to Kashmir at UNGA for the first time since 2019.

In a notable shift, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not reference Kashmir during his annual address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year, marking the first time he has skipped this topic since 2019.

Erdogan has previously used the UNGA platform to voice concerns over Jammu and Kashmir, especially following India’s revocation of Article 370, which removed the region’s special status. His past comments were often seen as unwarranted interference in India’s domestic affairs, prompting New Delhi to repeatedly dismiss them.

Since 2019, Erdogan had consistently criticized India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that peace and stability were lacking in the region. However, during his address in New York on Tuesday, he focused primarily on the Israel-Gaza conflict, condemning the UN for what he termed the transformation of Palestinian territory into the “world’s largest cemetery.”

The omission of Kashmir this year is significant, though the reasons remain unclear. It may reflect a strategic decision to improve relations with India, possibly influenced by India’s growing global stature.

In previous years, such as shortly after India revoked Article 370 in 2019, Erdogan had called for dialogue to ensure a safe future for the Kashmiri people alongside their Indian and Pakistani neighbors. He highlighted the dire situation in the region, stating that many were “virtually under blockade” and required international attention.

In subsequent addresses, he reiterated the Kashmir issue as a “burning” conflict, advocating for resolution through dialogue based on UN resolutions. India’s representatives at the UN, including T.S. Tirumurti, have consistently urged Turkey to respect the sovereignty of other nations and to reflect on its own policies rather than meddling in India’s affairs.

Erdogan has also sought closer ties with Pakistan, having pledged support for its stance on Kashmir during a 2020 visit. Despite maintaining a critical view of India from 2021 to 2023, his absence of remarks on Kashmir at this year’s UNGA could indicate a potential shift in Turkey’s diplomatic priorities and a recognition of India’s rising influence on the world stage.