MEA reiterates India’s stance on Kashmir after Turkey’s Erdogan raises issue at UN

India on Friday reiterated its established position on Kashmir, stressing once again that the matter allows no room for mediation or involvement of any third party.

Responding to questions at the weekly press briefing about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on Kashmir during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored New Delhi’s consistent approach.

"Our statement on Kashmir is clear. Everyone is aware of our position on Kashmir over the past few years," he said during the weekly media briefing.

Alongside reiterating India’s stance on Kashmir, Jaiswal also spoke about New Delhi’s backing for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue within the framework laid out by the United Nations.

"Regarding North Cyprus, our External Affairs Minister met with the Cyprus Foreign Minister, they discussed it. The External Affairs Minister expressed India's support for comprehensive and lasting settlement in accordance with the agreed UN framework," he said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had previously met his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos on the margins of the 80th UNGA session. Their talks emphasized both bilateral cooperation as well as India's encouragement of a resolution of the Cyprus issue.

"Always great meeting FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus. Reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since the successful visit of PM Narendra Modi. Reaffirmed support for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant UNSC resolutions. Look forward to welcoming him in India soon," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.

Kombos reacted by thanking India for its unwavering stance on Cyprus and welcoming his visit. "New York -- Always a special pleasure to meet India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. Talk was about the next steps of the Cyprus-India strategic partnership, current international issues, and the priorities of the coming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Appreciative of India's long-standing principled support on the Cyprus Issue and its respect for international law. Awaiting my visit to India soon," he tweeted on X.

India and Cyprus have long-standing bilateral relations based on mutual respect and cooperation. Both countries have frequently cooperated on pivotal international issues, with India expressing support for Cyprus's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity. In turn, Cyprus has supported India's stand on issues such as UN Security Council reform and Nuclear Suppliers Group membership. Their cooperation also includes a robust and expanding economic partnership.