India revokes security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi – CNBC TV18
Celebi handles an estimated 70% of ground operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Its services include passenger handling, flight operations, cargo and postal services, and management of bridges and warehouses. The firm, Turkey’s first privately owned ground handling firm, is present in six countries and 70 airports.
The Directorate General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the revocation order, stating: “The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS vide letter no. 15/99/2022-Delhi-BCAS/E-219110 dated 21.11.2022. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS.”
The decision is viewed as part of a broader recalibration of India’s foreign policy towards Turkey, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s repeated public statements in support of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have cooled significantly in recent years.
India is now moving to deepen ties with Turkey’s regional rivals and historical adversaries, including Greece, Armenia and Cyprus. The shift forms part of a strategic effort to counterbalance Turkish influence through strengthened alliances with other regional powers.
Also read: From Kashmir To Delhi, tunnels to metros: India to re-assess billion-dollar Turkish deals
