India and Turkey's Friendship Tested: Time to Review Security Tolerance for Turkish Companies

Turkey and India have shared a long and friendly relationship, but recent developments have strained their ties. President Erdogan's pursuit of his Islamic agenda and attempts to challenge Saudi Arabia's leadership in the Arab world have had an unfortunate impact on India. Turkey's stance on the issue of Kashmir has aligned with Pakistan, Malaysia, and others, while the rest of the Arab world has remained silent. What is concerning is that Turkey has spoken against India at international forums and continues to support Pakistan, which India regards as an enemy state due to its use of armed terrorists to carry out attacks in India.

Despite India's help during Turkey's recent earthquake through ‘Operation Dost', President Erdogan's speech at the UN General Assembly, where he mentioned Kashmir, and his mention of the issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, are alarming. The Cyprus issue arose after the Kashmir problem, and it is equally intractable, with Turkey occupying the northern part of Cyprus in response to a military coup on the island backed by Greece. However, India has not raised this issue at international forums.

Moreover, while Turkey has not participated in any physical terrorist activity against India, it remains on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-based watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing. India should be concerned about Turkey remaining on the grey list, as the FATF monitors how criminals and terrorists raise, use, and move funds. India has a serious terrorist problem and needs continuous monitoring of physical attacks and terrorist funding.

One area of concern is the security of Indian airports, as they are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Ground Handling Agencies (GHAs) authorized to handle incoming aircrafts provide catering, ramp, passenger services, baggage, and cargo services. The Bureau of Aviation Security (BCAS) screens all those who work inside the airport, including GHAs, directors, and key officials of airlines, and only security-cleared foreign companies can operate at Indian airports. Security is a dynamic issue. What was considered safe at one time may not be that safe anymore. In this connection we have among the various GHAs a Turkish company duly cleared from security angle for the last ten years or more and has grown in India to cover nine number of major cities airports and is now the largest GHA operating in Indian airports. While there is no technical default with it, the issue that arises is the level of security tolerance which should continue to be permitted to a company registered in a country acting hostile to us.

Recently the case of appointment of a highly qualified CEO for Air India post it's disinvestment hit the headlines. In this case the person was highly regarded aviation professional but was also close to the President of Turkey. Before government could turn it down this appointment from security angle, he decided not to accept the offer.

While they have been security cleared, is it not time for a review of the same especially when it continues to remain in the Grey List of FAFT?

However, a Turkish company has been operating in India for over a decade, providing ground handling services in nine major cities' airports, and is the largest GHA operating in India. While the company has been security-cleared, given Turkey's hostile stance towards India, it is time to review the level of security tolerance for a company registered in a country that remains on the FATF's grey list.

India and Turkey need to find a way to address their differences, particularly on issues like Kashmir, and work towards strengthening their relationship. India also needs to remain vigilant in monitoring terrorist activities and funding and review the security clearance of companies registered in countries with a hostile stance towards India, especially those on the FATF's grey list.

Dr Sanat Kaul , Chairman of International Foundation for Aviation, Aerospace and Drones.