India-Turkey Relationship Goes Beyond ‘Operation Dost’
India-Turkey Relationship has historical significance
With the recent earthquake that has shook Turkey, it is time to strengthen the India-Turkey Relationship even more and take a look at the long standing history between the two countries.
What has happened in Turkey?
Turkey and Syria have been devastated with one of the most deadly earthquakes to have occurred in many years. The death toll continues to rise in the region as the countries try to provide relief and carry out emergency responses.
How has India responded?
India was quick to respond with help and relief. Prime Minster Narendra Modi also spoke about the support India is willing to offer to the grief stricken nations. India also launched ‘Operation Dost’ to extend assistance to Turkey as well as Syria.
Firat Sunel, Turkey’s Ambassador to India said in an interview with ANI , “Operation Dost is a very important operation. And this is the operation of friendship because DOST is the word in Hindi and Turkish which means friends. And this operation shows our friendship between India and Turkey and friends always help each other.”
External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar also tweeted about the field hospital that will be treating the victims of the disaster.
This field hospital in Hatay, Türkiye will treat those affected by the earthquake.
Our team of medical & critical care specialists and equipment are preparing to treat emergencies. #OperationDost https://t.co/YVwxfJoJEf pic.twitter.com/bIsNxWxkHf
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2023
The India- Turkey Relationship
The diplomatic relationship between the two countries is not new. India and Turkey have had a long-standing and historic relationship that dates back to the Ottoman Empire and Mughal India. Over the centuries, the two countries have developed strong cultural, economic and political ties, with both nations being a part of the non-alignment movement during the Cold War era.
There have been some areas of friction between the two countries on an international platform as well. Turkey has been a strong supporter of Pakistan on various international forums, including the United Nations, while India has long been critical of Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism in the region. The issue of Kashmir has also been a sore point between India and Turkey as in the past Turkey has shown to side with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
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But, despite these challenges both the countries have cooperated and have a very good relationship. Indian and Turkey have coordinated a lot on military relationships. The Navies of both the countries have also conducted regular profile passage exercises known as PASSAGE.
According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, the trade relations between India and Turkey have been strong. In 2021, India exports to Turkey amounted to US$7.26 Billion. Data for FY 2023 shows that merchandise trade between the two countries rose to $9.12 billion in April-November 2022.
In all, the cultural, economic and military relations between the two has continued to grow despite the friction. The recent efforts of India to help Turkey are a sign of its good will and commitment to make the relationship even stronger.
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