Ankara: A two-day international conference on Trkiye-India relations, offering both historical and contemporary perspectives, began on Wednesday in Ankara, the Turkish capital. The conference marks a significant dialogue forum, bringing together scholars, diplomats, and experts from both nations to deliberate on global and regional issues.
According to Anadolu Agency, the event is organized by the Ankara-based Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) and the New Delhi-based International Dialogue and Diplomacy Foundation (IDDF), in collaboration with the Embassy of India at the SETA headquarters. This initiative serves as the first-ever platform to foster dialogue between eminent personalities from India and Trkiye.
India's Ambassador to Trkiye, Muktesh Pardeshi, addressed the opening session, emphasizing the robust foundation of the bilateral relationship, grounded in historical contacts and shared values. He highlighted the substantial potential for expanding trade and investment, noting that Trkiye is among India's top 20 countries for trade promotion. Pardeshi also mentioned that Trkiye has identified India as a key trade destination in its distant country strategy released in 2023. He noted that bilateral trade has grown in recent years, with the highest trade volume recorded at $13.8 billion nearly two years ago, and an average trade volume of around $10 billion in recent years.
Trkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister, Berris Ekinci, remarked on the future significance of the Trkiye-India relationship, describing both countries as emerging key players on the global stage. Ekinci highlighted shared visions for a just and multipolar world and emphasized the potential for cooperation in sectors like infrastructure, tourism, space exploration, and renewable energy.
SETA General Coordinator, Nebi Mis, spoke about the era of increasing multipolarization and Trkiye's efforts to create new cooperation channels. He noted the importance of Trkiye and India's historical and strategic positions amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.
Aftab Kamal Pasha, director of IDDF, stressed the importance of frequent exchanges between academics and policymakers, which lay the foundation for better understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The conference featured two panels on its first day, focusing on 'Global and Regional Order' and 'Perspectives on the Global South.' Discussions centered around strategic outlooks in the Indo-Pacific region, collaboration in Central Asia, and the role of India and Trkiye in Africa, among other topics. An exhibition showcasing historical archives and newspapers on Trkiye-India relations was also part of the event.