Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association Inaugurated in Hyderabad

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Hyderabad, January 26, 2025: The Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was officially inaugurated by Orhan Yalman Okan, consul general of Türkiye, along with M. A. Faiz Khan, chairman of ITFA, in the presence of Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, special chief secretary, IT & I&C, Government of Telangana.

The inauguration also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between ITFA and T-Hub, aimed at fostering stronger trade, investment, and technological collaboration between India and Türkiye.

Strengthening Economic and Business Ties

The Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association is designed to enhance trade relations, open new business opportunities, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. It has already been recognized by the Turkish Consulate General and introduced to major Turkish business organizations, including key stakeholders in the country’s innovation ecosystem such as science and technology parks, incubators, and universities.

India and Türkiye are both emerging economic powerhouses, playing influential roles in global markets. As of 2024, Türkiye ranks as the world’s 11th largest economy and the 4th largest in Europe in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), with a GDP of approximately $1 trillion. Meanwhile, India holds the position of the world’s 5th largest economy. The bilateral trade between India and Türkiye has already reached $13 billion, with a mid-term target of $20 billion set by both governments.

Key industries with high potential for collaboration include IT, software, pharmaceuticals, defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and critical minerals. Additionally, sectors such as healthcare, food security, logistics, and supply chains are expected to witness increased engagement. Opportunities also exist in trade sectors including food and agriculture, machinery, vehicles and auto parts, textiles, electronics, furniture, and semi-precious stones.

Consul General’s Vision for Hyderabad-Türkiye Relations

Speaking at the event, Orhan Yalman Okan highlighted Hyderabad’s special connection with Türkiye, rooted in historical and cultural ties dating back to the Nizam era.

“Hyderabad is a dynamic city with a strong economic structure, striving to establish itself as a global hub. Strengthening economic and trade relations between Türkiye and Hyderabad is a key priority, and ITFA will serve as a bridge for sustained business engagement,” he said.

He also praised T-Hub, describing it as a globally recognized innovation center that plays a crucial role in fostering trade and investment through its vast network. “It was only natural for T-Hub and ITFA to collaborate, and I am delighted to witness the signing of the MoU. I sincerely hope this partnership will lead to the establishment of a Türkiye-India Technology Transfer Office within T-Hub,” he added.

ITFA Chairman Emphasizes Shared Aspirations

M. A. Faiz Khan, chairman of ITFA, underscored the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Hyderabad and Türkiye, which reflect the broader relationship between the two nations.

“India and Türkiye complement each other in various sectors, including healthcare, education, film and entertainment, and tourism. This partnership will pave the way for new business collaborations, allowing companies from both countries to explore markets, develop innovative solutions, and establish impactful ties,” he said.

He further emphasized that ITFA and T-Hub’s collaboration will empower businesses in emerging fields such as renewable energy, technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. By providing networking opportunities, facilitating access to resources, and organizing knowledge-sharing events, the association aims to foster innovation and economic growth.

“Beyond economic ties, this initiative is about strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the people of India and Türkiye,” he added.

Upcoming ITFA Events

Several key events have been scheduled under the Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association to promote cultural and business ties:

  • Türkiye Tourism Roadshow – February 26, Taj Krishna Hotel
  • Iftar Dinner – During Ramadan
  • Business Trip to Türkiye – April
  • Türkiye Food Festival – May 3-18, Trident Hotel
  • Türkiye Education Fair – June, Trident Hotel
  • Zoom Meeting with Turkish-Indian Business Council Members in Istanbul – First half of 2025

ITFA Board Members

The leadership of ITFA includes representatives from both Indian and Turkish business communities:

  • Orhan Yalman Okan, consul general of Türkiye
  • M. A. Faiz Khan, chairman
  • Syed Rafi Ishaq, first vice chairman
  • Srividya Reddy Gunampalli, second vice chairman
  • Rahmani Farooqui, secretary-general
  • Vibhuti Jain, joint secretary
  • Anika Khara, treasurer
  • Irfan Aziz, executive member
  • G. S. Farooqui, executive member

With the establishment of ITFA, both India and Türkiye are set to witness deeper business collaborations, paving the way for stronger bilateral ties and shared prosperity.

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