After the catastrophic earthquake in Türkiye, India offered liberal humanitarian relief under Operation Dost, registering solidarity during a moment of crisis.
Yet this act notwithstanding, Türkiye's recent move to side with Pakistan has evoked criticism, with Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Sanjay Nirupam raising the issue at a Mumbai press meet on Friday. He characterized Türkiye's action as one reflecting its nature as an invariably Islamic nation.
"There is outrage all over India at the pro-Pak stance of Türkiye," Nirupam stated.
Nirupam pointed to Türkiye's aid to Pakistan, such as supplying drones used in attacks on India, labelling it "unacceptable." Happily, he added, India's defence systems like the Sudarshan Chakra have intercepted those drone and missile attacks successfully.
Nirupam made it clear that these actions had caused a deep wound to Indian sentiments.
"Türkiye's betrayal will never be forgotten. Both Pakistan and Azerbaijan have supported us, along with Türkiye. Almost 3 lakh Indian tourists come to Türkiye each year and 2 lakh to Azerbaijan. Now, almost 50 percent of them have cancelled their journey. Indians are deliberately boycotting these nations, and the economic impact will be huge," he explained.
He also made it public that the Central Government has already taken steps against Turkish businesses in India.
"Action has already been taken against Çelebi, which is engaged in ground-handling services at Indian airports. Indian traders have also started boycotting Turkish imports like fruits, dry fruits, and other items," Nirupam further added.
Giving history, Nirupam reminded everyone of the commencement of Islamic invasions in India and how it dates back to Türkiye.
"Turkish invasions started nearly a thousand years ago with Mahmud of Ghazni. His successor, Muhammad Ghori, established the base of the Turkish empire in India and destroyed major temples, including the holy Somnath Temple. Even under British rule, Indian Muslims initiated the Khilafat Movement in 1919 against the Turkish Caliphate. These historical facts cannot be kept aside while studying current-day geopolitics," he concluded.
Read also| India Unlikely to Reassess Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty, Says Ministry of Jal Shakti
Read also| Security Forces Neutralize Six Terrorists in Past 48 Hours
