Erdogan raises Kashmir issue at UN, calls for dialogue

NEW YORK: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly, calling for disputes in South Asia, including Kashmir, to be addressed through dialogue within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.

Speaking during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Erdogan said dialogue remained important for resolving disputes in South Asia. His remarks put the long-running Kashmir issue back into focus during a week of high-level diplomatic activity at the United Nations.

Erdogan said it was important for all disputes in the region, including Kashmir, to be resolved through negotiations while keeping the UN Charter and relevant resolutions in view.

The Turkish president has repeatedly advocated dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. His latest comments come as Ankara and New Delhi have been seeking to improve bilateral ties following a period of diplomatic tensions over Türkiye’s position on Pakistan and Kashmir.

India rejects third-party role

India has consistently rejected third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue and maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country. New Delhi has also argued that issues with Pakistan should be addressed bilaterally.

Erdogan’s position, meanwhile, has focused on dialogue between the two sides and resolving disputes under the principles and framework of the United Nations.

The Turkish president’s remarks came during the opening days of the 81st UN General Assembly session. The general debate is being held from September 22 to 26, with an additional sitting scheduled for September 28, bringing together world leaders and senior representatives in New York.

Erdogan also calls for UN reform

Beyond Kashmir, Erdogan used his UN address to call for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing that the current structure does not adequately reflect the wider international community.

Reuters reported that Erdogan criticised the existing system in which five permanent members hold veto power and called for a more representative structure.

His comments on UN reform formed part of a broader address focused on international conflicts, global governance and the role of multilateral institutions.

For Pakistan, Erdogan’s renewed reference to Kashmir at the UN provides another prominent international platform for the issue. For India, however, the longstanding position remains that Kashmir-related matters should not involve third-party mediation.

The latest remarks therefore highlight the continuing diplomatic differences surrounding Kashmir, while underscoring calls from Türkiye for dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution.