India and Turkey Strengthen Diplomatic Relations in New Delhi
Synopsis
India and Turkey engage in their 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations, focusing on trade, tourism, and cross-border terrorism. Key leaders discuss future collaborations and humanitarian efforts in response to recent crises.
Key Takeaways
Strengthened bilateral ties between India and Turkey.
Focus on diverse sectors including trade and investment .
Commitment to combat cross-border terrorism .
Future consultations scheduled to take place in Turkey.
Humanitarian efforts through 'Operation Dost' showcased India's support.
On April 8, 2026, New Delhi (NationPress) witnessed the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Turkey, where both nations evaluated their bilateral relations, emphasizing various sectors such as trade and investment, tourism, technology and innovation, energy, and cooperation in educational and cultural domains. They also focused on enhancing people-to-people connections and combating cross-border terrorism.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Berris Ekinci, Turkey's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. They exchanged insights on regional and global issues significant to both countries.
According to an MEA statement, during this 12th session, they reviewed a comprehensive range of bilateral ties, highlighting the importance of collaboration in sectors like tourism, energy, and educational initiatives. They also discussed avenues for cooperation to address mutual concerns.
The previous round of these consultations took place in Ankara in 2022. Following the recent discussions, both nations agreed to convene the next meeting in Turkey at a later date.
In a related context, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane in 2024. Furthermore, in September 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey at COP28 in Dubai, highlighting their ongoing diplomatic relations.
India's humanitarian initiative, 'Operation Dost', was launched in response to the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey in 2023, which included the deployment of relief materials and search and rescue teams from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with a mobile field hospital by the Indian Army.
Point of View
The ongoing diplomatic discussions between India and Turkey signify a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The focus on diverse sectors, including trade and education, reflects a strategic approach to fostering collaboration and addressing shared global challenges.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main topics discussed during the consultations?
The consultations covered trade, investment, tourism, technology, energy, educational collaboration, and the fight against cross-border terrorism.
Who co-chaired the meeting?
The meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George from India and Berris Ekinci from Turkey.
When was the last round of consultations held?
The last round of consultations took place in Ankara in 2022.
What humanitarian initiative did India launch for Turkey?
India launched 'Operation Dost' to provide humanitarian assistance following the earthquakes in Turkey in 2023.
What is the significance of the upcoming consultations in Turkey?
The next consultations are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and address mutual interests.
