India expresses 'deep concern' over Turkish invasion of northern Syria; Pak lauds Ankara’s 'positive role'  

New Delhi, Delhi, India

India has expressed its "deep concern" at the Turkish invasion of northern Syria, an area dominated by minority Kurds who Ankara blames for terrorism.

In a strong response by New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs said, the "unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria..undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism."

The west Asian country's action has the "potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress" and urged it to "exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria."It called on Ankara to peaceful settle "all issues through dialogue and discussion," the MEA added.

The Syrian Ambassador to India Riad Abbas speaking to WION has welcomed New Delhi's statement

The statement by New Delhi comes on the back of Turkey backing Pakistan on Kashmir with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan even raising Kashmir from the United Nations General Assembly in New York in Kashmir.

Turkey, along with Malaysia and China are the only three countries who have reacted negatively on New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has welcomed the Turkish invasion of Syria. 

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson said, "We appreciate Turkey’s positive role in finding a viable political solution to the conflict in Syria. We also acknowledge Turkey’s humanitarian efforts by graciously hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees. We recognize Turkey’s legitimate security concerns in the region. Like Pakistan, Turkey has also been a victim of terrorism."

"Pakistan has been and continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria and expresses the hope that a political solution to the Syrian conflict will be reached at the earliest, that takes into account concerns of all regional stakeholders and parties to the conflict," he added.