Strengthening India-Turkiye Ties: Former AMU VC Prof. Gulrez Contributes To Bilateral Dialogue

Aligarh, February 28 (TNA) Experts and scholars from India and Turkey recently convened for a two-day conference in Ankara, jointly organized by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) and the International Dialogue and Diplomacy Foundation (IDDF) in New Delhi. This initiative aims to enhance diplomatic and strategic cooperation amid evolving global and regional dynamics.

Among the distinguished Indian speakers at the conference was Prof. Mohammad Gulrez, former Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), renowned academic from the Department of West Asian (Middle Eastern) and North African Studies, and Coordinator of the 'Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies Programme.' Prof. Gulrez's participation highlighted the pivotal role of academia in bolstering diplomatic relations. Alongside contributions from esteemed scholars, diplomats, and policy experts, the conference aimed to facilitate insightful discussions on international security, governance, economic collaboration, and peaceful co-existence.

The event featured prominent Indian experts including Prof. Aftab Kamal Pasha, C. Raja Mohan, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, and representatives from leading think tanks such as the Observer Research Foundation and the Indian Council of World Affairs. Their engagement with Turkish counterparts sought to strengthen India-Turkiye relations within the evolving global order.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Berris Ekinci and Indian Ambassador to Turkiye Muktesh K. Pardeshi, with the Indian Embassy in Ankara serving as an official partner of the event.

Under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bilateral trade has flourished, growing from USD 6 billion in 2014 to USD 14 billion in 2023, highlighting economic synergy and the potential for deeper collaboration in technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, UNSC reforms, and climate change.

The conference provided a crucial platform for dialogue among scholars, diplomats, and industry leaders, fostering enduring partnerships and offering policy recommendations. Prof. Gulrez's participation underscored AMU’s commitment to global academic outreach and its integral role in international diplomacy.