Understanding Congress’s Stance on India-Türkiye Relations
The Indian National Congress (INC) party is not taking a clear stand on the boycott of Türkiye and Azerbaijan. This issue is linked to India’s Operation Sindoor and the reactions from these countries. It is noticed that Congress is avoiding direct comments on the boycott of Türkiye and Azerbaijan. After these countries criticized India’s Operation Sindoor—a military strike on May 7, 2025, targeting terror camps in Pakistan—and supported Pakistan, many Indians called for a boycott. Travel agencies paused bookings, and ties with Turkish Airlines were cut. However, Congress believes foreign policy decisions, like cutting diplomatic or trade ties, are the central government’s responsibility, not the opposition’s. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the government, led by Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, should clarify India’s official stance. Congress insists that only the government can make such decisions, not opposition parties like them.
Reason why Congress don’t want to speak against Turkey pic.twitter.com/OOlDMqA6Wv
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) May 14, 2025
How Does This Fit with Congress’s Approach to Türkiye?
This is a new strategy for Congress. It’s not—Congress has a history of avoiding extreme positions on Türkiye, even during past tensions, like Türkiye’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. The party has always preferred to leave sensitive foreign policy decisions to the ruling government, focusing on dialogue rather than public escalation. Even now, as Türkiye takes stronger stances on issues sensitive to India, Congress continues this approach. They don’t want to politicize foreign relations for domestic gain and believe the government should handle diplomacy. This restraint is part of Congress’s long-standing policy to let the executive lead on international matters.
What Does This Mean for Congress and India-Türkiye Relations?
What this means for Congress and India’s ties with Türkiye. By not commenting, Congress avoids getting drawn into a diplomatic controversy, but this has led to criticism from the BJP, who say Congress is out of touch with public sentiment. Many Indians are angry at Türkiye for supporting Pakistan, leading to actions like boycotting Turkish apples and baklava.
Reason why Congress don’t want to speak against Turkey pic.twitter.com/OOlDMqA6Wv
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) May 14, 2025
Meanwhile, Congress has an office in Istanbul, set up in 2019 under the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora and boost relations in areas like trade and tourism. This office, led by Mohammad Yusuf Khan, aims to improve India-Türkiye relations, but the current tensions might make that harder. Congress’s silence shows they want the government to lead, but it also highlights the challenges in balancing diplomacy and public sentiment.
