ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a significant diplomatic move, India has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, a subsidiary of Turkiye Celebi, citing national security concerns. The decision, announced by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday, follows heightened tensions between India and Turkey after Ankara expressed support for Pakistan during the recent military conflict between the two South Asian nations.
Security Concerns Behind the Move
The revocation of security clearance for Celebi Airport Services comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, as well as their respective alliances. India’s decision to cut ties with the ground-handling service provider, which operates in major Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, was prompted by a combination of national security fears and growing public pressure.
An official statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the move, with *Murlidhar Mohol*, India’s Deputy Civil Aviation Minister, noting, “Recognizing the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services with immediate effect.”
Impact on Turkey-India Relations
The decision came just one day after reports indicated that Indian tourists were canceling holiday bookings in popular Turkish and Azerbaijani resorts. This was in response to the countries’ vocal support for Pakistan following India’s military strikes in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir*. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan issued statements condemning India’s actions and backing Pakistan, further straining relations between New Delhi and Ankara.
The ground-handling services company’s parent, Celebi Aviation Holding, operates at nine airports across India, providing critical services such as baggage handling and aircraft servicing. The company has not yet issued a public response to India’s decision.
Protests and Public Sentiment
The tension between India and Turkey was also reflected in the political sphere, with Shiv Sena, a prominent ally of India’s ruling BJP, leading protests in Mumbai against Celebi. The party demanded that India sever all commercial ties with the Turkish firm. These protests were in direct response to Turkey’s position on the recent conflict and their support for Pakistan.
The decision to revoke the security clearance was also influenced by *public calls* from across India urging the government to act decisively.
Broader Impact on Academic and Commercial Ties
In addition to the security clearance revocation, India has also seen the suspension of *academic agreements* with Turkish institutions. *Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)* in New Delhi announced it had suspended its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with *Inonu University in Turkey*. This suspension highlights the wider repercussions of the diplomatic fallout, which extends beyond business and into cultural and academic exchanges.
Meanwhile, Adani Airport Holdings, one of India’s leading airport operators, has also ended its association with DragonPass, a Chinese lounge access provider, though the reasons for this move were not immediately disclosed.
Continued Tensions and Regional Dynamics
The backdrop of these developments is the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, which escalated following India’s military strikes against what it described as “terrorist camps” in Pakistan. The strikes came after an attack in Jammu and Kashmir killed 26 Indian soldiers, which New Delhi claimed had the backing of Islamabad. Both nations launched missile and drone strikes in the days that followed, though the two nuclear-armed neighbors reached a ceasefire agreement shortly thereafter.
As tensions between India and Pakistan simmered, Turkey’s support for Pakistan in this context significantly impacted its relations with India. Turkey’s diplomatic stance, alongside Azerbaijan’s, has been a point of contention, and Indian policymakers appear determined to take action in response.
Conclusion: Diplomatic Fallout and Future Implications
India’s revocation of Celebi Airport Services’ security clearance signals a toughening stance against countries that support Pakistan in its ongoing disputes with India. The broader diplomatic fallout, including the suspension of academic collaborations and potential further commercial disruptions, indicates that the situation is unlikely to de-escalate anytime soon.
While Turkey’s backing of Pakistan is a significant point of contention, the actions taken by India could have long-lasting effects on *India-Turkey relations*, especially in sectors like aviation, education, and tourism. The next few months will likely see further shifts in the regional dynamics as both countries reassess their diplomatic and economic priorities in light of these tensions.
