Turkey has openly started acting hostile against India. The nation backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and has been endorsing the Pakistani position at the United Nations. Now, Turkey has created obstacles in the delivery of Apache AH-64E helicopters to India. It is believed that Turkey did not allow the cargo plane carrying the helicopters to fly through its airspace. So, why has Turkey become hostile to India?
It is reportedly said that the handlers of the Delhi blast, which claimed the lives of 13 people, hatched the conspiracy in Ankara, Turkey.
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According to a report by Navbharat Times, a revolt took place in Turkey in 2016–17, and the country held Fathullah Gulen’s organisation responsible. Gulen was living in the United States. At that time, Turkey alleged that the CIA wanted to overthrow the current government. The Gulen movement was also active in India.
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Recep Tayyip Erdogan had urged the Indian government to shut down the offices of Gulen’s organisation in India, but the government did not pay heed to the request. It is said that Turkey was upset with this development, and since then, it has been raising the Kashmir issue at the United Nations.
In 1948, diplomatic relations between India and Turkey were established. However, when the US and Russia were engaged in the Cold War, Turkey sided with the United States. Meanwhile, India was always a close friend of Russia, though it adopted a policy of non-alignment. Since then, Turkey has gradually moved closer to Pakistan.
In 1912, renowned Indian freedom fighter Dr. M.A. Ansari led a medical mission that provided healthcare support to Turkey during the Balkan Wars. This Indian mission took care of injured Turkish soldiers day and night and saved many lives. In recognition of his medical service during the Balkan War, Turkey honoured him with the Order of Osmaniye, a prestigious award of the Ottoman Empire.
Apart from this, India backed Turkey during its War of Independence in the 1920s and the formation of the Republic of Turkey. Mahatma Gandhi also offered his support to Turkey against the injustices it faced at the end of the First World War.