The Hindu: India and Turkey Relations
During the bilateral talks between the leaders of both the countries discussed the key issues covered the efforts to boost bilateral ties, fight against terrorism, the deterrence of Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) activity in India and India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG).
On combating terrorism in any form
- Both the countries are determined to combat terrorism in any form. They stressed on the issue of global terrorism and mutually agreed upon to condemn the 'use of double standards' methods in fighting terrorism and also agreed to strengthen cooperation in an effective manner in dealing with the menace both bilaterally and at multilateral fora.
- Both the countries also agreed to adopt the early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). The CCIT was proposed by India on the global level in 1996 but after two decades its conclusion is yet to be adopted.
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On India's membership of the MTCR
- Indian premier express his gratitude towards Turkey and thanked Erdogan for Turkey's support for India's membership of the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) and its interest to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as well as Wassenaar Arrangement, an export control regime.
- The Turkish President also expressed his support for India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
On United Nations reforms
- Both the leaders of the country emphasised on the need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations including expansion of its Security Council to make the body more representative, accountable and effective.
On India-Turkey business relations
- Erdogan also showed his keen interest in the free trade with India and the two leaders of both the countries resolved to expand trade ties and decided to encourage business efforts to accomplish a level of at least $10 billion of bilateral trade by 2020.
- On the current status of bilateral trade between the two countries, Erdogen said that the turnover of around $6 billion in bilateral trade is not justified for the convergences of both the economies.
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On PM Modi's 'Make in India' mission
- Indian premier welcomed Turkish investments which will help India to achieve its ‘Make in India’ mission.
- The Turkish President while expressing trade gains between the two nations said that India's infrastructure requirements and its vision of developing smart cities match well with the Turkish expertise in the construction industry.
- They also agreed on mutual cooperation in the field of information and technology (IT), pharmaceuticals, health and tourism which are favourable to the growth of bilateral trade between the two nations.
On improving energy cooperation
- When they came into the cooperation in the field of energy, both the premiers have agreed to improve cooperation on hydrocarbons, renewable energy (solar and wind) and energy efficiency.
Modi's visit to Turkey
- Erdogan also invited the President Pranab Mukherjee and to Modi for visiting Turkey at mutually suitable time. PM Modi has accepted the invitation.
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India-Turkey MoUs signed
- During the Erdogan’s visit both the countries have signed various agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on several fields:
- Cultural Exchange Program for 2017-2020.
- Cooperation between Foreign Service Institute of India and Diplomacy Academy of Turkey
- An agreement between the Government of The Republic of Turkey and the Government of The Republic of India was signed on productive occupation for family members of the members of the diplomatic mission or consular posts.
On strengthening cultural linkages
- Both the leaders agreed on the ties of the culture of Sufi traditions and the exchanges and influences of the Turkish language on Hindi and vice versa among other linkages which provide a deep connect with the people of both the countries.
Turkey on India-Pakistan relations
- There was no mention of Kashmir issue during the bilateral talks but Erdogan had expressed his view earlier that India-Pakistan dispute on Jammu and Kashmir could be resolved through “multilateral talks” involving Turkey’s participation.
- According to Erdogan, there should not be allowed more casualties to occur and the relation between India and Pakistan can be improved through multilateral dialogues for this we can be involved.
- At the same time, India has rejected Turkey's proposal to mediate talks between New Delhi and Islamabad because Turkey has supported Pakistan's position on Kashmir earlier at different forums.
Conlusion
In the last few years the bilateral trade between India and Turkey has been declining. This particular visit of Turkish President to India will revamp the old ties between these two countries. While elaborating their own capacities, the Turkish President has expressed his cooperation in various fields to India seems quite encouraging for India. India should look forward to maintain the ties between the two nations and explore the areas where these two nations can gain from each other.