Latest news with #Turkish-origin
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India Revokes Security Clearance for Turkish Firm Celebi: A Shift in Geopolitical Strategy, ET Infra
Highlights India's revocation of Celebi Aviation's security clearance signals a strategic shift after Turkey backed Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor.' Experts like Jitender Bhargava say the move, driven by national security, was overdue. Legal voices assert the decision won't dent India's investment image, as security clearances reflect evolving geopolitical realities. Advt Advt By , ETInfra NEW DELHI: The decision of the government to revoke the security clearance to Turkish-origin ground handling firm Celebi, which until very recently operated at nine Indian airports, is not expected to have any long-term impact on foreign investments in the country and signals a recalibration in India's geopolitical the Galwan skirmish with China in 2020, the Indian government had taken measures to restrict investment of Chinese companies in India, indicating that hostilities and commercial relations cannot go together. Recent action against Celebi has been undertaken after Turkey provided diplomatic and military support to Pakistan against India during ' Operation Sindoor Apart from civilian passenger aircraft and at airports, Celebi also provided ground handling services for Indian military and government aircraft, according to the company's website.'India's decision to terminate ground handling agreements with Celebi Aviation signifies a strategic recalibration of its aviation and geopolitical priorities. The decision to discontinue Celebi arrangements is a significant step and reflects India's priority for the security and safety of its citizens,' said Poonam Verma Sengupta, Partner, JSA Advocates & Bhargava, aviation sector expert and former executive director of Air India backed the decision of the government highlighting that the decision should have been undertaken much earlier.'The ground handling firm can have an agreement with the airport operators or the airlines but the government action on the grounds of national security will have greater supremacy,' said is not the first time that developments in the Indian aviation sector which had a Turkish connection raised security 2022, Tata Group's appointment of former Turkish Airlines Chairman Ilker Ayci as managing director and chief executive officer at Air India, drew a lot of criticism and concerns. Reports alleged Ayci's had a role in facilitating investments of Egyptian-born Saudi Arabian national Yasin al-Qadi, who was earlier designated as a financier for Al-Qaeda by the US Treasury and the United Nations. Due to intense media scrutiny in India, Ayci later declined to accept the post offered by the Tata Ayci's earlier role as an advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, also raised red flags in India.'Erdoğan has not been very hospitable to India, especially after the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir, and his policy towards India is having a significant impact,' said diplomatic relations with Turkey have strained since 2019, with a noticeable shift in Turkey's foreign policy. The Turkish President over the years has expanded the country's diplomatic and military relations with Pakistan and has termed Kashmir as a disputed territory, which India strongly Hemant Sahai, Founding Partner at HSA Advocates, who specialises in legal issues related to energy and infrastructure as well as regulatory and dispute resolution, expects the Celebi incident not to dent India's credential as an investment destination.'In my view, this decision will not have any long-term negative impact on foreign investments into India. Security clearances are inherently subjective and must be tested from time to time on the touchstone of geopolitics and strategic considerations,' said has legally challenged the decision taken by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, highlighting that it has been regularly audited by Indian aviation and security authorities, and maintained full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations, and provided complete transparency.
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Celebi calls Centre's move 'violation of rules', Delhi High Court reserves order
The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its order on a petition filed by Turkish firm Celebi Aviation Services India Pvt Ltd, challenging the government's decision to revoke its security clearance. The cancellation, initiated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has stirred legal and diplomatic ripples amid heightened tensions between India and on behalf of Celebi, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the BCAS action violated established legal procedure under Rule 12 of the Aircraft Security Rules. "This unilateral action is a complete violation of Rule 12 and renders the cancellation order both invalid and meaningless," Rohatgi submitted before the maintained that the government is required to present a factual basis for revoking a company's security clearance. "Even if you make rules related to security at the airport, you are bound by the rules. The government cannot say that if we have made the rule, we can violate it," said Rohatgi in court. He further urged the court to ensure that reasons behind the cancellation are clearly recorded in writing, to establish transparency and legal accountability."They will have to follow the law and the court should record the reasons in writing so that it becomes known under which rule the action has been taken," he Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, informed the court that he would file written submissions by an earlier hearing on Wednesday, Rohatgi emphasised that Celebi had operated in India for 17 years without any allegations or lapses. He described the revocation as arbitrary and contrary to principles of natural justice. advertisementHe also pointed out that the legal framework governing aviation security had evolved, noting that earlier judgments were based on outdated regulations under the Aircraft Rules of 1937, whereas the current case falls under Rule 12 of the 2011 guidelines."Justice Kurian Joseph's judgment dealt with the Aircraft Rules of 1937, which are no longer applicable. There were new rules in 2011, and the current position is governed by Rule 12," he controversy began on May 15, when India revoked Celebi's security clearance citing national security concerns. The move followed a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press briefing on May 9, which pointed to the use of Turkish-origin drones in a cross-border attack by to official statements and preliminary forensic analysis, debris from drones used in the May 8–9 overnight assault on Indian military and civilian targets confirmed they were Turkish-made "Asisguard Songar" models, designed for surveillance and precision further claimed that Turkey not only supplied armed drones to Pakistan but also provided operational assistance, with Turkish operators reportedly guiding the Watch
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Centre justifies revoking Celebi clearance, cites national security risk
The central government has defended its decision to revoke the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services Private Limited, citing national security concerns during a hearing before the Delhi High Court on Thursday (May 22). Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the government's action was based on sensitive security considerations involving Celebi's access to critical airport infrastructure and VIP passenger information. 'This is not a carte blanche or a 'brahmastra' that halts everything. Judicial review is available. If your lordships find the decision to be cavalier, the Court can certainly intervene,' Mehta told the bench, according to LiveLaw. Security rationale and legal compliance The Centre argued that preemptive disclosure or prior hearing is not always possible in matters concerning national security. He further explained that Rule 12 of the Aircraft Security Rules, 2023, was followed. The rule permits the Director General of Civil Aviation Security to cancel security clearance if it is necessary for civil aviation or national security, or if clearance terms are violated. According to Mehta, Celebi had submitted a representation, which was reviewed before issuing the cancellation order the next day. 'A representation made and considered before action is substantial compliance with natural justice. Rule 12 is directory, not mandatory,' Mehta said. He argued that even if it were mandatory, the government had complied adequately. Earlier this week, the government had told the court it could not disclose the reasons for revocation, citing potential harm to India's sovereignty and strategic interests. The Centre also submitted a sealed envelope with classified documents to the judge. The case will resume on Friday. Celebi challenges government's decision Celebi has petitioned the Delhi High Court, alleging that the sudden and unexplained cancellation of its security clearance jeopardises jobs and investor sentiment. Quoting its plea, Reuters reported: 'The order fails to disclose any specific or substantive reason except for a vague and general reference to 'national security'... It provides no reasons or justification.' Celebi currently provides ground handling services at airports in Delhi, Kerala, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa. Diplomatic fallout and Turkish ties The revocation came amid a diplomatic chill between India and Turkey, following Ankara's open support for Pakistan during a recent conflict. The incident triggered a public boycott of Turkish goods and services, including coffee, chocolates, and tourism offerings. Celebi, being a Turkish-origin firm, found itself at the centre of the backlash. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the matter had been discussed with the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Mutual respect, sensitivity and interest key for ties with China: India
Responding to a question on whether China's military support to Pakistan could strain bilateral ties, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the need for 'mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity' in sustaining the relationship. "Our National Security Advisor (NSA) and the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had spoken to each other on May 10 when the NSA conveyed India's resolute stance against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan," Jaiswal said. Also Read | India's stern message to Turkey: 'Ask Pakistan to end support to terrorism' "The Chinese side is aware that mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity remain the basis of India-China relations," he added. During the conversation on May 10, Wang Yi expressed hope that New Delhi and Islamabad would address their differences through dialogue and achieve a lasting ceasefire. Doval had told Wang Yi that war was not India's choice but New Delhi needed to take counter-terrorism action after the Pahalgam attack, according to Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency. Also Read | Amid tensions with India, Pakistan, China agree to deepen trade, maintain close communication He had also condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which had cross-border linkages. After four days of military clashes between India and Pakistan, India said that Operation Sindoor produced concrete evidence of hostile technologies neutralised by Indian systems. These included pieces of PL-15 missiles (of Chinese origin), Turkish-origin UAVs and long-range rockets, quadcopters and commercial drones. Indian Indian Air Force also bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems. Also Read | What is China-made PL-15 missile which is used by PAF? 5 facts Pakistan's use of Chinese weapons against India occurred while New Delhi and Beijing seek to normalise their relations after the eastern Ladakh standoff.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India-Turkey Relations: IndiGo Stands Firm with Turkish Airlines Amidst Tensions with Turkey, ET Infra
Advt Advt By , ETInfra In an indication that country's largest airline IndiGo will not undertake any spontaneous decision with regard to commercial relationship with Turkish Airlines , the carrier's chief executive officer (CEO) highlighted that the engagement with the foreign airline remains in conformity with the framework of the air service agreements between the two week, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance given to Turkish-origin airport ground handling services company Celebi, which operated at nine Indian airports, including Delhi and Mumbai International Airport. The development happened after Turkey supported and armed Pakistan against India during the four-day military skirmish from May 7 to 10. The airport partners of Celebi, including Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai International Airport, immediately severed ties with the ground handling firm after the action from BCAS.'All of the flights between India and Turkey are within the framework of the air service agreements between the two nations. The operations which are taking place are fully compliant and in line not only with the regulatory framework, but also by all the rules and regulations from the government,' said Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, in a conference call with analysts on Wednesday, responding to a query on the impact of the geopolitical is a key market for IndiGo and the airline has relied on its partnership with Turkish Airlines, including aircraft lease and codeshare pact, to expand its reach in the continent. A codeshare agreement is a commercial arrangement between two airlines to sell seats on each other's flights with the aim to offer its customers a large variety of destinations to choose. Such an agreement is margin accretive for IndiGo.'We still have lots and lots of Indian customers booked on these flights, mostly connecting over Istanbul and then flying to other parts of the world for their travel needs,' he however gave a cautious response to a query related to the leasing of Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. IndiGo had earlier opted to operate Boeing 777 aircraft to Istanbul on a damp lease from Turkish Airlines due to capacity shortage and supply chain issues in the aviation industry. The agreement helped IndiGo to gain experience on operating wide-bodied aircraft. The lease agreements for the Boeing 777 are coming up for renewal.'On the renewal, that's up for the government to decide on that,' said experts highlighted that the commercial engagement between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, is more beneficial to the latter allowing it to capture Indian passengers for its network.'IndiGo should not play the role of a feeder airline to Turkish Airlines and deprive other carriers of passengers. It is acting as a feeder and taking away passengers from other airlines which provide direct and point-to-point services to long-haul destinations,' said Jitender Bhargava, aviation sector expert and former executive director of Air provides several connecting flights on Turkish Airlines' network to the rest of Europe and North Indian airlines, Air India currently provides several direct flights to Europe and beyond to North America through its wide-bodied fleet of aircraft, which IndiGo lacks as of IndiGo has placed an order for wide-bodied aircraft with Airbus, deliveries of which are scheduled to start from 2027, the damp lease of Turkish Airlines' Boeing 777 enabled the airline to have the much needed experience of operating wide-bodied aircraft.
