New Delhi: India has reacted strongly to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments supporting Kashmiris, following his call for a United Nations-backed dialogue to address the Kashmir issue.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Erdogan, during his recent visit to Islamabad, expressed Turkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan regarding the Kashmir conflict and advocated for a UN-facilitated resolution to the ongoing dispute.

In response to these remarks, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Turkish ambassador to express its dissatisfaction. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a weekly briefing, rejected Erdogan’s comments, stating, “We reject such objectionable remarks on matters internal to India. We have conveyed a strong protest to the Turkish ambassador. Any unwarranted comment on India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is unacceptable.”

Jaiswal further emphasized India’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as an “integral part” of the country. He also highlighted “cross-border terrorism” as the primary threat to the region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, pointing fingers at Pakistan rather than addressing internal issues. Nonetheless, the fact remains that the Kashmir region is recognized by the United Nations and the international community as disputed, with ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over its status.