Srinagar, May 16: On May 12, the government of India said that it had taken note of Turkey’s support to Pakistan before and during Operation Sindoor, including its diplomatic and defence assistance.
Quoting sources, The Indian Express reported a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said that India had already provided evidence to Turkey in this regard and expects Istanbul to look into its concerns on the issue.
According to reports, the MEA indefinitely postponed a scheduled ceremony on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Turkish Ambassador-designate Ali Murat Ersoy was to formally present his Letter of Credence to the President of India. Also set to present their credentials at the same event were the Ambassador-designate of Thailand and the High Commissioner-designate of Bangladesh. A Letter of Credence is a diplomatic document that formally confirms the appointment of an ambassador or high commissioner to another country.
The delay coincided with a decision by India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India — the Indian subsidiary of Turkish-based ground handling company Çelebi Aviation Holding — citing concerns related to “national security.” The clearance was withdrawn with immediate effect.
Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad Airports have severed ties with Turkish aviation ground-handling company Celebi following the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance in the interest of national security.
