ANKARA 

India’s main opposition Indian National Congress (INC) opened an overseas office in Turkey, according to a statement by the party.

The statement issued by the INC’s Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) on the Istanbul-based office identified party member Mohammad Yusuf Khan to preside over the IOC in Turkey.

"[He] will help build IOC organization & institution in Turkey," the statement said.

The INC led India’s independence movement against British rule and subsequently ruled the country of 1.3 billion population for more than half of its independent history.

"In this capacity you [Khan] will identify and work with qualified, capable, committed and concerned people to lead our various initiatives," the statement added.

For his part, Khan said his priority would be to polish bilateral relations between India and Turkey with emphasis on politics, culture, trade, tourism, education and health.