Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has broken his silence over renewed criticism for past meetings with Turkish President Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan, stating that those interactions were non-political and occurred in a different political climate.
Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, Khan distanced himself from Turkey’s current stance on India, especially after Ankara condemned India’s recent military operation and backed Pakistan. “Turkey ne bahut galat kiya (Turkey did a very wrong thing),” he said, supporting the ongoing public boycott of Turkish goods and tourism.
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Old photos from Khan’s 2017 and 2020 visits resurfaced online, triggering backlash from right-wing groups who accused the actor of siding with a country now seen as hostile. Khan clarified: “I met them as an artist, not a politician. When a host invites you, it’s basic courtesy to accept.”
He also condemned Turkey’s alleged supply of drones used against India, saying, “We helped them during the earthquake, and they helped our enemies. That is not justice.”
Addressing communal tension in India, Khan said: “Stop profiling people by religion. It could’ve been me, or you.”
