In a fiery address at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once again thrust the Kashmir issue onto the global stage, urging a resolution based on UN mandates. Speaking during the General Debate, Erdogan expressed Turkey's approval of the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which followed a volatile period of conflict in April 2025. "We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved after the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, which had escalated into a full-blown conflict," he stated, emphasizing the importance of sustained peace in South Asia.

Erdogan called for dialogue to resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute, asserting that adherence to UN resolutions is crucial for the well-being of the people in the region. "The issue of Kashmir must be settled through dialogue, in line with UN resolutions, for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Kashmir," he said. He also highlighted the need for India and Pakistan to collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts, describing such cooperation as vital for regional stability.

The Turkish leader’s remarks come in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. The operation was a direct response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. The strikes led to four days of intense cross-border clashes, culminating in a mutual agreement to halt military actions on May 10.

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Erdogan’s repeated focus on Kashmir at the UNGA—having raised the issue in previous sessions—has drawn sharp attention, particularly from India, which maintains that Kashmir is a bilateral matter. His comments are likely to reignite discussions on the international stage, with Turkey positioning itself as a vocal advocate for the Kashmiri people.

As global leaders convene in New York, the Turkish president’s statements underscore the complex dynamics of South Asian geopolitics, with peace and stability hanging in the balance.

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