Turkey has firmly denied allegations from certain Indian media outlets that it was involved in a recent car explosion in Delhi, labeling the claims a "malicious disinformation campaign" aimed at harming bilateral relations .
In an official statement released by the Directorate of Communications Center for Countering Disinformation, Turkey dismissed reports linking it to the Delhi blast as "deliberate" and lacking any factual basis . The statement emphasized that Turkey "firmly rejects all acts of terrorism, regardless of where or by whom they are committed" and highlighted its active role in international counter-terrorism efforts, including contributions to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and NATO’s policies . The Turkish government specifically rejected what it called the "purely misinformative" claim that it engages in "radicalization activities" targeting India or any other country .
The denial from Ankara follows reports in Indian media, which Turkish authorities say alleged the country provided "logistical, diplomatic, and financial support to terrorist groups" . Some media investigations had pointed to a handler in Ankara, codenamed "Ukasa," who allegedly directed the Delhi-based module and guided them using encrypted apps . Separately, the Indian government officially confirmed it is treating the explosion near Delhi's Red Fort as a "terror incident" perpetrated by "anti-national forces" . The Indian cabinet has condemned the act and directed that the investigation be pursued to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice .
The official investigation, led by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), has led to several arrests, although it is interesting to note that the incident has been termed as a "terror attack" before any proof of the sort has been found. Indian security sources have alleged that the prime suspect, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who died in the explosion, had traveled to Turkey in 2022 and was in contact with the alleged handler "Ukasa". However, these claims from investigative sources remain unverified by independent or official judicial findings. In the wake of the blast and the ensuing media coverage, experts and reports have noted a rise in Islamophobic sentiment and anti-Kashmiri rhetoric within India.