May 22, 2025: India has called on Turkiye to take a firm stand against Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the statement during a weekly press briefing on Thursday, emphasizing the need for Turkiye to act decisively.
“We expect Turkiye to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible, verifiable action against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades,” Jaiswal stated. “Relations are built on sensitivity to each other’s concerns,” he added.
The comments come amid tensions surrounding Turkish firm Celebi Aviation, whose Indian arm recently lost its security clearance to operate ground-handling services at Indian airports. The MEA confirmed the issue had been discussed with the Turkish Embassy but clarified that the decision was made by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd has challenged the revocation in the Delhi High Court, warning that the move could impact thousands of jobs and investor sentiment. The Indian government’s action reportedly reflects concerns about Turkiye’s growing alignment with Pakistan.
Tensions escalated after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor on May 7. The military operation targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 militants linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In retaliation, Pakistan conducted shelling and drone attacks along the border. Indian forces shot down several drones, many of which were identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, according to Col. Sofiya Qureshi in a May 9 briefing.
A ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was reached on May 10, but concerns over external involvement in regional terrorism remain a focal point of India’s diplomatic outreach.