Turkey's postal service PTT issued special stamps and first day covers ahead of the 105th birthday of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

"Gandhi pioneered the independence of the Indian subcontinent, dedicated his life to eradicating racism and discrimination, reducing poverty, making everyone equal and free," the state-run PTT said in a statement.

A smiling photograph of Gandhi is printed on the stamp and covers.

This was seen as a gesture of "India-Turkey partnership" by Indiatarget="_blank"'>