Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his past meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan. The actor issued a detailed clarification following renewed criticism from right-wing groups in India, sparked by Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan during India’s recent military campaign, Operation Sindoor.
The backlash against Khan intensified after old photos resurfaced online showing him with Turkish leaders during his visits in 2017 and 2020. Critics accused the actor of aligning with a country that has recently condemned India’s actions and allegedly provided military support to Pakistan, including Turkish-made combat drones used in retaliatory strikes.
Appearing on the Indian television show Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir Khan addressed the controversy directly. “Turkey ne bahut galat kiya (Turkey did a very wrong thing), and every Indian is hurt,” he said, condemning Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance. Khan explained that his meetings with Turkish officials occurred in a different geopolitical context and were non-political in nature. He stressed that his role during those visits was purely artistic, serving as a cultural ambassador rather than a political figure.
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Khan clarified that the photos circulating online were from his earlier visits and not recent engagements. “I met them as an artist, not as a politician. When a host invites you for tea, it doesn’t seem appropriate to refuse,” he stated.
The actor supported the growing calls in India for a boycott of Turkish products and services, citing betrayal after India extended help during Turkey’s 2023 earthquake. “They sided with Pakistan when we were attacked, even though we had helped them first. Is that justice?” Khan remarked.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of strained India-Turkey relations. Following India’s Operation Sindoor and the subsequent Pakistani retaliation, Turkish and Azerbaijani officials openly condemned New Delhi’s actions. Indian media reports suggest that Turkish drones were used by Pakistan during the conflict, fueling further outrage among Indian citizens.
Indian traders have since started boycotting Turkish imports such as apples, marble, and textiles. Travel agencies have reported an increase in cancellations of trips to Turkish destinations.
In his televised interview, Aamir Khan also spoke against rising communal tensions in India. He denounced religious profiling and mob violence, urging the nation to unite and prioritize collective interests over divisive rhetoric. “You are shooting at people by questioning their religion. What does this mean? I could have been there, you could have been there,” he said.
Khan concluded by reinforcing his support for India and expressing disappointment in Turkey’s actions. “We extended friendship during their time of need, and in return, they supported those who attacked us. Bahut hi galat baat hai. We should not support Turkey at all,” he said.
