India, Turkey to hold extensive bilateral talks today

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu will hold wide-ranging talks on a range of bilateral and regional issues which may include deliberations on situation in West Asia and ways to counter threat of terrorism. Cavusoglu arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a three day visit. This is his first official visit to India. The entire gamuts of bilateral relations as well as multilateral and regional issues are likely to be discussed during the talks. The visiting dignitary is also scheduled to call on Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari. Cavusoglu will visit Hyderabad on Saturday to officially open the Turkish Consulate building. India and Turkey enjoy deep-rooted ties and bilateral relations have been sustained and strengthened through regular high-level exchanges. Bilateral trade touched 6.3 billion dollars last year. Earlier this month, Turkey had asked India to act against the institutions affiliated to the network of Fethullah Gulen, blamed for last month's failed coup to topple President Tayyip Erdogan, and the issue may figure in the discussions between the two foreign ministers. "The entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as multilateral and regional issues are likely to be discussed during the talks”, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. "We hope the visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister will further strengthen our bilateral ties," he added. President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to take strong action against those linked to Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who he had blamed for the July 15 coup attempt. Tens of thousands of troops, civil servants, judges and officials have already been detained or dismissed in a massive crackdown following the failed coup.