Türkiye has reaffirmed its close ties with Pakistan, stating that its friendship with Islamabad should not be viewed as a problem by India. The remarks were made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during an address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore.
Responding to concerns in India over Ankara’s relationship with Pakistan, Fidan emphasized that Türkiye’s “brotherly” ties with Islamabad are not directed against any third country. He urged India not to interpret Turkish-Pakistani relations as hostility toward New Delhi and stressed that countries can maintain strong partnerships without undermining relations with others.
The Turkish foreign minister noted that several countries enjoy friendly relations with Pakistan and questioned why such ties should be viewed negatively. He also highlighted the potential for greater cooperation between Türkiye and India, signaling Ankara’s willingness to maintain constructive relations with both South Asian nations.
The statement comes amid ongoing regional sensitivities, as Türkiye’s support for Pakistan on various diplomatic issues has often drawn attention in India. Relations between Ankara and New Delhi have experienced periodic tensions, particularly over issues related to Kashmir and regional security.
Despite these differences, Türkiye has reiterated that its partnership with Pakistan should not be interpreted as opposition to India, calling for a more balanced and mature approach to bilateral and regional diplomacy.