SRINAGAR — National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday urged India and Pakistan to get connected through dialogue and resolve disputes that cost the lives of innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to reporters here, Dr Farooq said dialogue is the only way forward to resolve lingering issues. He said if India and Pakistan do not realise the situation and take imperative measures for peacebuilding, then the day is not far when J&K will become a place like Gaza and Palestine.
He recalled Late Vajpayee's mantra that friends can be changed but neighbours can't and urged both nations to come forward for confabulation to resolve issues. "Late Vajpayee had said that friends can be changed but not neighbours. If we maintain good relations with our neighbours only then we can move forward. Even PM Modi had said that war is not an option."
"So if voices of dialogue come from Pakistan today, why we are not responding to them? If we do not resolve our issues through dialogue, God forbid the day is not far when our situation will be like Gaza and Palestine," Dr Farooq Abdullah said, as per the news agency KNS.
He said if we maintain good relations with our neighbours, both India and Pakistan will prosper.
He added, "Nawaz Sharif is about to become the PM (of Pakistan) and they are saying that they are ready to talk (with India), but what is the reason why we are not ready to talk? If we do not find a solution through dialogue, we will meet the same fate as Gaza and Palestine."
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's re-election as the President of Turkey holds significant implications not only for the Turkish people but also for various countries around the world. In this critical analysis, we will delve into what Erdogan's victory means for India, a key regional player in South Asia.
The relationship between Turkey and India has witnessed ups and downs over the years, and Erdogan's continued rule is likely to shape their interactions in the future.
Shifts in Foreign Policy:
Erdogan's prolonged tenure as Turkey's leader has been marked by a notable shift in the country's foreign policy approach. His assertive stance on international issues, particularly related to the Muslim world, has garnered attention and raised concerns in various quarters. Erdogan has positioned himself as a leader advocating for the rights and interests of Muslims worldwide, which resonates with a significant segment of the Muslim population in India.
Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan celebrate in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, May 28, 2023 | Photo Credit: Khalil Hamra/AP
Impact on India-Turkey Relations:
Erdogan's victory is likely to have both positive and negative consequences for India-Turkey relations. On one hand, his emphasis on the rights of Muslims may generate a sense of solidarity among Indian Muslims who have faced challenges and discrimination. This sentiment could potentially lead to an increase in people-to-people exchanges, cultural ties, and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
However, Erdogan's more assertive foreign policy, especially his vocal support for contentious issues in the Muslim world, could strain the relationship between India and Turkey. For instance, Erdogan's stance on Kashmir, where he has expressed concerns about the rights of Muslims, has been met with criticism from India. This could create friction between the two countries, particularly if Turkey chooses to interfere in India's affairs.
Trade and Economic Cooperation:
Trade and economic cooperation form an essential aspect of bilateral relations between nations. Turkey and India have a trade relationship that has fluctuated over the years. Erdogan's victory may have implications for trade ties between the two countries.
Erdogan's government has pursued an ambitious economic agenda, and his continued rule could offer stability and predictability for Indian businesses seeking to invest in Turkey. However, potential differences in policy priorities and Erdogan's focus on increasing self-reliance could impact the trade dynamics between the two nations.
PM Narendra Modi meets the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, in Osaka | Photo Credit: PTI
Geopolitical Realignment:
Erdogan's prolonged rule and his evolving foreign policy approach have led to a geopolitical realignment, both regionally and globally. Turkey has sought to establish itself as a major player in the Middle East and has shown a willingness to challenge traditional power structures. This realignment may impact India's diplomatic engagements in the region, particularly in terms of navigating complex relationships with countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, where Turkey has significant influence.
Conclusion:
Erdogan's victory in the Turkish presidential election holds implications for India across various dimensions. While his emphasis on the rights of Muslims may resonate with a section of the Indian population, his assertive foreign policy and potential interference in India's affairs could strain bilateral relations.
The evolving geopolitical landscape, influenced by Erdogan's continued rule, also necessitates a recalibration of India's regional engagements. As India navigates these shifts, it will be crucial to carefully assess the impact of Erdogan's victory and work towards maintaining a balanced approach that safeguards India's interests and ensures stability in the region.
SRINAGAR — Presidential opposition candidate, Yashwant Sinha on Saturday said that if he was elected, his priority will be to persuade the government to resolve the Kashmir issue permanently.
Addressing a press conference, Sinha, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, demanded the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and also said that free and fair Assembly elections must be conducted at the earliest.
“I am opposed to the forcible and manipulative changes in J&K. The Central government has failed to fulfil its promise to create an atmosphere for the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits. The promise must be fulfilled. J&K people have suffered a lot and their desire for peace must be fulfilled,” Sinha, who is campaigning for the presidential elections, said.
He said that if he is elected as president, one of his priorities will be to urge the government to take necessary steps to resolve the Kashmir issue permanently and restore peace, justice, normalcy, democracy and end the hostility towards J&K.
Sinha, who was accompanied by National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and other political leaders said that for the second time, the people in J&K would not be able to participate in the presidential polls.
“My campaign would have been incomplete in case I could not have visited Kashmir. I get disappointed when I see the situation here, which is contrary to the government claims,” he added.
He also said that there is no state in the country where elections have not been conducted for the period of four years and where the people have been deprived of representation. “Jammu and Kashmir is facing injustice and only a limited number of people are knowledgeable about the fact that the limited democracy that existed in J&K has also been murdered.”
He said that his visit to J&K was to express solidarity with the people of J&K. “It is very regrettable that the Supreme Court has not even heard the case related to Article 370 and Article 35-A nearly three years after the Constitution was repealed,” he said, adding that long pendency of the case in the court erodes the credibility of the apex court.
