Amid growing calls to boycott trade and tourism with Turkey and Azerbaijan over their support for Pakistan during its recent military conflict with India, the Congress on Wednesday demanded clarity from the Centre on whether it plans to sever diplomatic ties with the two nations.
The demand came after BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused the Congress of not aligning with the “sentiment of the Indian people” following reports that Turkish drones were used in Pakistan’s attacks on Indian cities and military installations during Operation Sindoor.
“The country is enraged by the support Turkey and Azerbaijan have extended to the terror state of Pakistan,” Malviya posted on X.
“Private citizens are calling for a boycott. But the Congress can’t even show solidarity. It deserves political oblivion.”
In response, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera challenged the BJP to have the government formally clarify its stance.
“If this is the view of a BJP office bearer, then the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar must clarify whether diplomatic and trade ties with Turkey have been cut, and whether their embassy in India has been shut,” Khera posted on X.
“It is not the opposition’s role to decide foreign policy. The Ministry of External Affairs must clarify.”
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh further criticized the government’s foreign policy inconsistencies, invoking China’s continued military incursions into Indian territory.
“Why has the Modi government pursued normalization with China, despite its encroachments? Why did the PM give China a clean chit on June 19, 2020, thereby damaging national interest?” Ramesh asked on X.
The controversy comes in the wake of Turkey and Azerbaijan’s public support for Pakistan, with both countries issuing pro-Pakistan statements during the recent India-Pakistan skirmishes. The four-day conflict, which erupted following a terror attack in Pahalgam, triggered India’s Operation Sindoor—a series of air and drone strikes on terror camps and military targets in Pakistan and PoK.
As opposition and ruling party narratives clash over diplomatic strategy, the Centre is yet to issue an official statement clarifying India’s future course with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
