RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN RE-ELECTED AS THE PRESIDENT OF TÜRKİYE

29 May 2023 RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN RE-ELECTED AS THE PRESIDENT OF TÜRKİYE

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This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Recep Tayyip Erdogan Re-Elected As The President of Turkiye ”. The topic “Recep Tayyip Erdogan Re-Elected As The President of Turkiye” has relevance in the International relations section for the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance:

For prelims:

Who is Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

Location of Turkiye?

For Mains:

GS 2: International relations

Importance of India-Turkiye relations?

Challenges in India-Turkiye relations?

Measures to be taken to address the challenges?

Why in the news?

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Recep Tayyip Erdogan on re-election as the President of Türkiye.

Who is Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a Turkish politician who has been serving as the President of Turkey since 2014.

Location of Turkiye:

Republic of Turkiye, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion in Southeastern Europe. It shares borders with several countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and has coastlines along the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Importance of India-Turkiye relations:

Strategic Partnership: India and Turkey share a strategic partnership based on historical and cultural ties. Strengthening bilateral relations can enhance cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, defense, and regional stability.

Economic Cooperation: Turkey is a major economy with diverse sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and tourism. Expanding economic cooperation with Turkey can provide India access to new markets, investment opportunities, and technological advancements.

Energy Security: Turkey serves as a crucial transit point for energy pipelines, connecting Europe and Asia. Strengthening ties with Turkey can enhance India’s energy security by exploring potential collaborations in oil and gas exploration, transportation, and renewable energy sectors.

Cultural Exchanges: India and Turkey share a rich cultural heritage with historical connections through trade and cultural interactions. Promoting cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people contacts can deepen mutual understanding and foster stronger diplomatic ties.

Regional Stability: Both India and Turkey are important regional actors, and their cooperation can contribute to regional stability. Collaborating on issues like counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and promoting dialogue among regional powers can help address common challenges in the region.

Multilateral Forums: India and Turkey are members of various international forums like the G20, United Nations, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Strengthening bilateral relations can facilitate coordination and collaboration on global issues of mutual interest, including climate change, trade, and multilateral reforms.

Challenges in India-Turkiye relations:

Kashmir Issue: Turkey has been vocal in its support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, often making statements that are seen as interfering in India’s internal matters. This has strained relations between the two countries and hindered cooperation on other fronts.

Regional Conflicts: Turkey’s involvement in regional conflicts, such as its military interventions in Syria and Libya, has created differences in approach between India and Turkey. India has favored diplomatic solutions and non-interference, while Turkey’s actions have sometimes been seen as destabilizing.

Divergent Priorities: India and Turkey have different geopolitical priorities. India’s focus lies more in its immediate neighborhood, while Turkey’s interests extend across the Middle East and Europe. This divergence can make it challenging to align on regional and global issues.

Support for Non-State Actors: Turkey has been accused of supporting non-state actors in various conflicts, which can create concerns for India’s security interests. Turkey’s alleged support for groups that India views as terrorist organizations, such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), can strain bilateral relations.

Trade Imbalances: Despite the potential for economic cooperation, trade between India and Turkey has been characterized by a significant trade imbalance in favor of Turkey. Addressing this imbalance and creating a more balanced trade relationship can be a challenge for both countries.

Measures to be taken to address the challenges:

Diplomatic Engagement: Regular high-level diplomatic engagements and dialogue between India and Turkey can help bridge differences and enhance understanding.
Constructive Communication: Promoting open and constructive communication channels is crucial. Both countries should strive to address concerns through diplomatic channels rather than making public statements that can escalate tensions.

Focus on Common Interests: Identifying and focusing on areas of common interest can foster collaboration and build trust. Both countries can explore opportunities in trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchanges, emphasizing the mutual benefits and potential for long-term cooperation.
Confidence-Building Measures: Confidence-building measures, such as cultural exchanges, educational programs, and people-to-people contacts, can foster better understanding and goodwill between the two nations.
Counterterrorism Cooperation: Strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism can help address concerns regarding support for non-state actors. Sharing intelligence, exchanging best practices, and collaborating on counterterrorism initiatives can enhance mutual security and build trust.

Regional Dialogue: Engaging in regional dialogue platforms can provide opportunities for India and Turkey to address regional issues and find common ground. This can include forums like the United Nations, G20, or regional organizations where both countries are members.

Economic Engagement: Efforts should be made to address the trade imbalance and expand economic cooperation. Exploring avenues for investment, joint ventures, and technology transfer can create win-win situations, leading to a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Track II Diplomacy: Encouraging Track II diplomacy initiatives, involving academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations, can facilitate discussions and provide alternative perspectives on sensitive issues.

Source:PIB

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1927975

Q.1 Which of the following statements accurately describes the geographical location of Turkey (Tukiye)?

(a) Turkey is a landlocked country located in Central Asia.

(b) Turkey is a transcontinental country located in both Western Asia and Southeastern Europe.

(c) Turkey is an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea.

(d) Turkey is a country located in the Indian subcontinent.

Answer: (b)

Q.2 Which of the following accurately identifies the neighboring countries of Turkiye?

(a) Greece, Iran, Russia, Bulgaria

(b) Iraq, Ukraine, Georgia, Syria

(c) Armenia, Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan

(d) Azerbaijan, Egypt, Hungary, Serbia

Answer: (a)

Q.3 “Discuss the evolving dynamics and challenges in India-Turkey relations, and analyze the potential areas of cooperation for fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.”(15 marks)