Trade, terror to be focus of talks between Modi and Turkish Prez

Economic ties and cooperation in the fight against terrorism are expected to dominate the bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have in New Delhi on Monday.

Erdogan’s India visit on Sunday and Monday comes at the start of a diplomatic blitz he is embarking on after winning a referendum on April 16 which gave him more executive powers as President.

India-Turkey trade stands at $6.4 billion, which is much below potential, officials say. Ankara wants a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to bridge the deficit.

At a media briefing ahead of Erdogan’s visit, Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, said there was scope for cooperation in areas such as construction, infrastructure development, renewable energy, tourism and films. Terrorism is expected to be another highlight of the talks.

“Both India and Turkey have been battling terrorism for long and understand the need for acting against this global menace,” Ghanashyam said.

Turkey has made it clear that it has no objection to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Ilnur Cevik, senior advisor to President Erdogan, said Turkey would be interested in nuclear cooperation with India “and all other peaceful countries that seek peaceful use of nuclear technology”. With chances of Turkey becoming an EU member diminishing, Ankara is actively looking to Asia for economic development and security.