NEW DELHI: India on Sunday condemned the deadly twin blasts in the capital city of Turkey that claimed lives of 38 people and left more than 150 injured; and called upon a “collective resolve” to combat terrorism.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi also condemned the serial blasts outside a soccer stadium in Istanbul on Saturday and expressed sympathy with the victims and their families.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Sunday saying that terrorism in all its manifestation was “completely unacceptable”.
"We offer deep condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured. Terrorism in any form and manifestation is completely unacceptable,” the statement said. At least 38 people were killed and 166 injured as a car bomb hit a police vehicle and suicide bomber blew himself up after a football match. The Turkish government has been pointing fingers at Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) that has targeted the security forces in the past as well.
Turkey has been part of the US-led coalition to counter the Islamic State and is actively participating in the conflict in Syria and Iraq. Since the failed coup attempt in the country in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan government has been purging suspected detractors. The conservatism has been on the rise in the country and Istanbul has been one of the few countries echoing Pakistan’s line on the issue of Kashmir.
India, while condemning the attack underlined the need for collective against the forces of terror. “The heinous attack in Istanbul again highlights the urgent need for collective resolve on the part of the world community against the scourge of terrorism," the MEA said.
Sonia Gandhi in a statement also condemned the attack: "It is one that is particularly painful for the people of Turkey, who have faced series of attacks from militants and terrorists this year.”