India's Ambassador to Ankara Sanjay Bhattacharyya spoke to Milliyet Ankara
November 19, 2019
The Magic of the Colors
Two Ancient Civilizations: Sanjay Bhattacharyya said: “Bilateral relations gained momentum after frequent talks between President RecepTayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the two major economies, the G20 members and the two ancient civilizations, we will play a role in restructuring the multilateral system in regional and global relations”.
Ancient Art of Yoga
Bhattacharyya: “The number of Indian tourists visiting Turkey is increasing by double every year. Turkey supported us in the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the ancient art of yoga and celebrating the Holy festival. Especially Holy is getting more colorful with the participation of more people every year. The magic of colors unites people”.
We Want to Get Closer
India's Ambassador to Ankara Bhattacharyya: “As the two major economies, the G20 members and the two ancient civilizations, we will play a role in restructuring the multilateral system in regional and global relations”.
Bhattacharyya: “The presence of Indian businessmen in Turkey, has grown significantly in recent years due to the favorable conditions of Turkey's economy. There are more than 150 Indian companies with a 500 million dollar investment in Turkey. Bilateral relations gained momentum after frequent talks between President RecepTayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the two major economies, the G20 members and the two ancient civilizations, we will play a role in restructuring the multilateral system in regional and global relations. The approach in political and security relations are increasing every year. India's rapid development in science and technology leads to significant capabilities in the production of a range of products and advanced technology systems, many of which are dual-use”.
We Can Develop Projects
Bhattacharyya: “India is a member of global conventions on trade in dual-use products and technologies. For this reason, our trade guides our international commitments and applies to all countries in the same manner. India in accordance with international guidelines, is exporting a large number of products with dual use capabilities to Turkey. India and Turkey have significant technologies and production capacity for the defense industry. There is great potential for closer bilateral cooperation, especially in informatics, aviation and other fields. We want to develop projects with Turkey in many areas including the defense area. The exchange of senior defense personnel and the understanding of defense cooperation agreement will accelerate our bilateral defense cooperation.”
The Magic of Colors
Bhattacharyya stated that the number of Indian tourists visiting Turkey is increasing by double every year. He added: “Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus are the most popular destinations. We would wish to seemore Turkish tourists, travelling to India to experience the beauty and diversity of our people, monuments, culture and landscapes. With the engagements that we are in, we want to bring India and Turkey closer. Our principal cultural events include the mega cultural festival “India by the Bosphorus”, Tagore Painting Competition for children, music and dance programmes, monthly Bollywood movie shows, regular Yoga classes and others. Turkey greatly supported us in the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the ancient art of Yoga and celebrating the Holy festival”.
Investment Roadshow
Bhattacharyya : “India is making several reforms to improve the ease of doing business. Currently some of the most prominent Turkish investors in India are Sisecam (glass), Arcelik (white goods) and Celebi (logistics). We are planning an Investment Roadshow to build permanent partnerships with Turkish businessmen. In this regard, for the supply of material to be used in space research, Turkey will be our first address. In addition, we want to see more companies in the construction sector with our new urbanization approach. The presence of Indian businessmen in Turkey, has grown significantly in recent years due to the favorable conditions of Turkey's economy. There are more than 150 Indian companies registered in Turkey of whom arund40 are engaged in manufacturing and service sectors, with an investment of around 500 million dollars. Within these companies some of them are farm machinery sector ( Mahindra, Tafe, Sonalika), agriculture (Jain Irrigation, UPL), IT and consultacy (Wipro), chemicals and synthetic textiles (Indo Rama, Polypet, Reliance), steel (Tata), medical (Meril), mining (Solar), engines (CRI Pumps), aviation (Indigo). Indian construction companies played a strong role in the construction of TANAP pipiline and Star Vito refinery. There is a continued interest among Indian companies to enter the Turkish market for win-win solutions.”
“Our satellite launch vehicles are among the best in the world.”
Bhattacharyya stated that India is aiming the global leadership in the space engagements. He added: “Our space programme is oriented towards obtaining space data for the people. Our satellites provide communication facilities for digital and information connectivity, remote sensing data for resource planning, urban development, agriculture and meteorology etc. Currently we are developing NAVIC, an indigenous navigation network. Our satellite launch vehicles are among the best in the world. We also provided services for the launching of Turkish nano satellites and we will soon collaborate.
The next major project is Gaganyaan, the manned mission which is to be launched in 2021.
Moon Landing Attempt
Contact with the spacecraft Chandrayan-2, which India was planning to land on the moon, was lost seconds and 2.1 km from the surface. Under the project, which cost $ 150 million, the mineral in the south pole of the Moon, as well as water, would be sought and the Moon shakes were going to be measured. India's attempt to land on the Moon, which sent the Chandrayaan-2 into space on July 22 to become the fourth country to land on the moon, failed.The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, designed to be the first spacecraft looking for water at the south pole of the Moon, was planned to make India the "fourth country landing the Moon" in history.
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