New Delhi strongly rejects Turkish President Erdogan’s remarks on Kashmir at UNGA, reiterates its decade-old stance of no third-party role, while reaffirming support for Cyprus within the UN framework.

India firmly rejected remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Jammu and Kashmir, calling the matter strictly internal and leaving no room for external mediation. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that New Delhi’s position on Kashmir has remained unchanged for over a decade. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We reject such objectionable comments on matters internal to India,” confirming that a formal protest had been lodged with the Turkish ambassador.

Diplomatic Counter With Cyprus

In a calibrated response, India underscored its support for Cyprus, a territory partially occupied by Turkey since 1974. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, in New York, reaffirming India’s backing for a resolution of the Cyprus issue within the framework of the United Nations and relevant Security Council resolutions. Analysts say this move signals India’s readiness to assert its diplomatic interests in response to external criticism.

Erdogan’s Remarks And Historical Context

During his UNGA address, Erdogan expressed satisfaction over the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and called for Kashmir’s resolution “on the basis of UN resolutions.” This is not the first time Erdogan has commented on the issue; similar remarks during a past visit to Islamabad had previously drawn sharp objections from New Delhi.

India’s renewed emphasis on Cyprus highlights the long-standing territorial dispute stemming from the 1974 Turkish intervention following a Greece-backed coup. The breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Ankara, while the international community largely supports reunification under UN frameworks. By backing Cyprus, India signals a diplomatic tit-for-tat while reinforcing its own foreign policy principles.

Additional Diplomatic Notes

Addressing a separate query, the MEA spokesperson said India expects the upcoming Bangladeshi parliamentary elections in February 2026 to be conducted peacefully. India called for a free, fair, credible, and inclusive democratic process, reflecting its continued interest in regional stability and democratic norms.

India’s firm response to Erdogan, coupled with its support for Cyprus, underscores the country’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty while engaging in careful, strategic diplomacy on the international stage.