Turkiye rejects media reports linking it to terror acts

Turkiye has rejected reports in sections of the Indian media suggesting that it was linked to terrorist acts in India or provided logistical, diplomatic, or financial support to terrorist groups, calling the allegations part of a “malicious disinformation campaign” aimed at harming bilateral relations.

The Directorate of Communications under the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Ankara, said such reports were “unfounded, manipulative and purely disinformative”, asserting that Türkiye firmly opposed terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

“Türkiye firmly rejects all acts of terrorism, regardless of where or by whom they are committed, and stands as a leading country in the fight against terrorism through cooperation with the international community,” it said.

It further stated that Türkiye actively contributes to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and plays an “effective role in shaping NATO’s counter-terrorism policies”.

Denying any role in “radicalisation activities” targeting India, the statement said, “The claim that Türkiye engages in such activities lacks any factual basis.”

Ankara maintained that such reports were aimed at undermining its contributions to international peace, security and stability. “The public is kindly advised not to give credence to such claims,” it added.

The response from Türkiye comes amid growing scrutiny of cross-border linkages in ongoing terror investigations in India.

Investigators probing the recent Red Fort blast have found that prime suspect Dr Umer Nabi, who was driving the Hyundai i20 car that exploded near the monument on Monday, and Dr Muzammil Ganaie, arrested after police busted a terror module in Faridabad, had both travelled to Türkiye, where their handlers are suspected to be based.

According to official sources, the passports of Nabi and Ganaie show travel to the country shortly after they joined certain Telegram groups. A handler later instructed members of the “doctor module” to disperse across India, with target locations finalised after their Türkiye visit, sources added.