Economic ties to be focus of Modi-Erdogan talks

Both India and Turkey have been battling terrorism for long, Modi-Erdogan also expected to speak on the need to act against this global menace, together.

New Delhi, April 30: 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 on Monday.

Erdogan's India visit 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 and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to bridge the deficit with New Delhi.

With chances of Turkey becoming an European Union member diminishing, Ankara is actively looking to Asia in terms of economic development and security and India is seen as a major partner in this regard.

At a media briefing ahead of Erdogan's visit, Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary West in the External Affairs Ministry, said that "the Turkish leader would be accompanied by some cabinet ministers, senior officials and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum."

She said that "here was scope for cooperation in areas such as construction, infrastructure development, renewable energy, tourism and film shooting."

Terrorism is expected to be another highlight of the Modi-Erdogan talks.

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".

Erdogan last visited India in 2008 when he was the Prime Minister.

IANS