Prominent figures in the Turkish media gathered for the panel discussion of the Sabah Writers' Club in New Delhi on Thursday where they discussed how to develop even closer relations between Turkey and India.

Press and Information Director Mehmet Akarca stated that the friendship between Indian President Narendra Modi and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan started in 2015 when Modi visited Turkey for the G20 summit.

"I believe that, under the leadership of India and Turkey's leaders, the two countries will have even closer relations in the near future. We will do our best to provide effective modes for cooperation and we expect the same effort from you [India], as well. Our future is united," Akarca said, speaking to Indian reporters.

Emphasizing Turkey's efforts regarding the Syrian refugee crisis, Turkey's Sovereign Wealth Fund board member Prof. Dr. Kerem Alkin stated that cooperating with India on the flow of Syrian refugees, especially in areas like food and education, will help Turkey. He also indicated that India's economic performance and the functioning of its democracy are highly respected by the Turkish people.

Turkey's advisor to the president İlnur Çevik also pointed to India's economic power, stressing that India ranks seventh among the world's greatest economies.

"Turkey is the world's 17th greatest economy and a G20 member, just like India. Today, the economies of both of these developing countries are probably considered as the biggest economies of the future. Our countries are in the same league, so, why wouldn't we engage in cooperation? Of course, we will." The panel was held prior to President Erdoğan's anticipated visit to India on April 30-May 1.