Is Erdogan Fueling India-Pakistan Conflict? Turkish Firm Loses Security Clearance Amidst Scandal
Growing Tensions Between India and Turkey
The relationship between India and Turkey is facing a major crisis. Over the past two weeks, things have escalated quickly. Indian travelers are boycotting trips to Turkey, businesses are cutting ties, and universities are even ending agreements with their Turkish counterparts.
Erdogan’s Support for Pakistan
This dramatic turn comes after Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, openly supported Pakistan during the recent military standoff. Ankara provided Pakistan with drones and even allegedly participated in a disinformation campaign against India.
Security Clearance Revoked
Adding fuel to the fire, India’s aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India on Thursday, May 15th. This action, taken on grounds of “national security,” instantly impacted the company’s operations at nine major Indian airports.
Rumors of Erdogan’s Daughter’s Involvement
The move against Çelebi, a subsidiary of Turkey-based Çelebi Aviation Holding, comes amid widespread rumors that Erdogan’s younger daughter, Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, is a part-owner of the parent company.
These claims, circulating heavily on social media, suggest that Bayraktar owns a 10% stake in Çelebi Aviation Holding.
Çelebi Denies Claims
In response to these accusations, Çelebi Aviation India issued a statement vehemently denying any involvement of Erdogan’s daughter in the company.
They stated that the company is primarily owned by international institutional investors from various countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Europe.
The Drone Connection
Adding another layer to the controversy, it has been revealed that the drones used by Pakistan against India last week were manufactured by Baykar, a Turkish company. The chairman of Baykar is Selcuk Bayraktar, who is married to Erdogan’s daughter, Sümeyye.
A Global Leader in Drones
Baykar, under Selcuk Bayraktar’s leadership, has become a leading global manufacturer and exporter of drones. Their drones, including the Byker Yiha III Kamikaze drones and the Bayraktar TB2 drones, have been used in various conflicts around the world.
Erdogan’s Personal Involvement?
The links between Erdogan’s family and both Çelebi and Baykar raise serious questions about the Turkish president’s potential personal involvement in the India-Pakistan conflict.
While the Turkish government denies any wrongdoing, the situation remains highly sensitive and could further strain relations between India and Turkey.
