Turkey’s Shift Strengthening Ties with BRICS for Muslim Unity

In a significant development at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan notably refrained from mentioning the Kashmir issue, marking a departure from his previous stance. This shift comes against a backdrop of evolving relations between India and Turkey, particularly under Erdogan’s leadership, and is viewed as a strategic maneuver amid Turkey’s interest in joining the BRICS bloc.

For several years, Erdogan has vocalized concerns over the Kashmir issue, leveraging it to bolster his image as a leader among Muslim nations. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, he has consistently raised the topic at various international platforms, positioning Turkey alongside Pakistan as one of the few Muslim countries addressing the issue in the UN. However, this year, Erdogan’s silence on Kashmir has raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about Turkey’s changing priorities.

The recent shift in rhetoric is widely interpreted as Turkey’s desire to secure a place in the BRICS organization, which includes India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa as founding members. With BRICS gaining prominence as a coalition of rapidly emerging economies, Turkey is keen to join this influential group. The Indian Express reports that Turkey’s decision to sidestep the Kashmir issue is rooted in its aim to avoid straining relations with India, a key player in BRICS.

During his UNGA address, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s intention to deepen its ties with BRICS, recognizing the organization’s role in uniting emerging economies. This commitment coincides with BRICS’s recent expansion, which will see Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates join the group by January 1, 2024. Turkey is now seeking to follow suit, hoping to enhance its global standing through BRICS membership.

The upcoming BRICS summit scheduled for October 22-23 in Kazakhstan will be a crucial moment for Turkey. Reports indicate that Erdogan may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during this event, potentially discussing Turkey’s membership prospects. If Turkey succeeds in joining BRICS, it would become the first NATO member to enter the group, further diversifying the coalition’s geopolitical landscape.

Erdogan’s decision to avoid the Kashmir issue at the UNGA underscores Turkey’s shifting diplomatic strategy as it seeks to align itself more closely with BRICS. This development not only reflects Turkey’s aspirations for greater influence within emerging economies but also highlights the complexities of international relations in an evolving geo political environment.