It is evident that, though separated geographically, India and Turkey have emerged as major regional players in their respective regions. "Turkey is situated at the junction of Central Europe, Central Asia and West Asia. We are located between West Asia, Central Asia and East Asia. Our geopolitical locations give us shared concerns in the region, as well as some common opportunities," then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpaye said in a statement during his three-day official visit to Turkey in September 2003. This was perhaps an apt recognition of the vast potential for the two emerging regional powers to come together to forge a new partnership based on mutual respect, shared concerns and values between two powerful democracies and rising economic powers.
There are numerous historical connections between India and Turkey, with the first exchange of diplomatic missions between the Ottoman Sultans and the Muslim rulers of the subcontinent dating back to 1481-1482. More recent historical contacts between India and Turkey were reflected in the medical mission led by renowned Indian freedom fighter, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, to Turkey in 1912 during the Balkan Wars and during the Khilafat movement from 1919-1924. India also extended support in the 1920s to Turkey's War of Independence and to the formation of the Turkish Republic. Mahatma Gandhi himself took a stand against the injustices inflicted on Turkey at the end of World War I. A statement made by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the first Home Minister of Independent India, in August 1920 on the context of Mahatma Gandhi's Khilafat campaign said, "The Turkish Empire was divided in spite of Britain's promise… It has been a heartbreaking episode for the Indian Muslims, and how can Hindus stand unaffected when they see their fellow countrymen thus in distress," a heartfelt statement that clearly reflects the empathy shared between the people of both countries. A very substantial amount of money was raised in India to help the Turkish people in their war of independence, as acknowledged by Hasan Rıza Soyak in his book "Atatürk'ten Hatıralar" (Memories of Ataturk). A portion of this sum was used as the original capital for the establishment of Türkiye İş Bankası.
An active interest for enhancing the bilateral relationship in recent years has arisen in both the countries, as seen in the number of high-level bilateral visits, the signing of agreements and the increased trade figures. The exchange of leader visits, including those by President Abdullah Gül to India in 2010, Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari's visit to Turkey in 2011 and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Turkey in 2013. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G20 Summit held in Antalya in November 2015. On the margins of the summit, Prime Minister Modi had bilateral talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Prime Minister Modi and President Erdoğan also held talks in Hangzhou in September 2016 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in China. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, paid an official visit to India in August 2016. A road map between the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey was finalized during the visit. The road map envisages strengthening the bilateral dialogue, as well as political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, during a telephone call with President Erdoğan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity in the context of the failed coup attempt in Turkey.
India and Turkey also have a cultural overlap. The Sufi philosophy of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi found resonance in the Indian sub-continent with its own traditions of Sufism and the Bhakti movement. There are also many common words in both Hindustani and Turkish languages. It is gratifying that age-old people to people contacts and cultural cooperation are continuing with active interactions in the areas of performing arts, cinema, cuisine and more. The Taj Express Bollywood musical group from India participated twice in the International Theatre Festival in Antalya. Bollywood cinema was chosen as the theme for the 4th International Kayseri Golden Sycamore Festival in 2016. A number of Indian films are being shot in Turkey, and Turkish television serials are being telecast in India. Many cultural events, including photo exhibitions, music and dance performances, as well as the celebration of the International Day of Yoga in regions of Turkey have been organized by the Indian Embassy in Turkey. Indian tourists have been visiting Turkey in large numbers.
President Erdoğan visited India as Prime Minister in November 2008. The forthcoming state visit of President Erdoğan from April 30 – May 1, 2017 will be another milestone in India-Turkey ties and will provide the much needed impetus to the progressive enhancement and deepening of bilateral ties.
*Indian Ambassador to Ankara
