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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.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Celebi subsidiary files 3 lawsuits in Mumbai
Celebi Aviation 's subsidiary on Thursday said that it has filed three lawsuits before the Bombay High Court , reported Reuters. The company has filed two lawsuits against the Mumbai International Airport Ltd . seeking reversal of the immediate termination of agreements by the Union Aviation Ministry . Another lawsuit has been filed seeking the suspension and annulment of the administrative decision to cancel Celebi's airport security clearance. Celebi Aviation Services India Pvt Ltd handles around 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo annually, across nine major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is yet to commence the hearing of the Celebi Aviation case scheduled on Thursday, filed after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the Turkish-based company's airport security clearance on May 15, along with all its associates. The Centre stated national security and public safety as concerns behind the revocation. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Sindh - South - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo In the previous Delhi HC hearing on May 21, Mukul Rohatgi, representing Celebi stated that Celebi has been running operations across nine airports for over the last 17 years, employing over 10,000 personnel. The Centre granted security clearance to Celebi Aviation in 2022 under Rule 15 for a five-year term. But, the clearance was abruptly revoked by the Centre on May 15 without any prior notice or hearing. Rohatgi argued that this act violates the principle of procedural fairness. Assumptions are being made that the government's act might be inspired by the Turkish shareholding factor in the firm, as this came in the middle of the Turkey boycott campaign. Live Events
India Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
We are Indian, employees are Indians, Turkey-linked Celebi Aviation tells court
"We are an Indian company. Our employees are Indian," argued Celebi Aviation Services India Pvt Ltd in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday as the firm challenged the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's (BCAS) decision to revoke its security clearance earlier this month in the "interest of national security".Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Celebi Aviation, told Delhi High Court that the company has been operating in India for 17 years without a single blemish and that the move to revoke security clearance was arbitrary and in violation of the principles of natural is a matter of grave importance. My contracts with airport operators are being cancelled," he submitted. Justice Sachin Datta-headed High Court bench is hearing Celebi's petition against the May 15 order, which came shortly after Turkey publicly backed Pakistan and criticised India's strikes on terror camps, raising questions about whether the regulatory action was politically motivated. Rohatgi, however, confined his arguments to legal grounds and the procedural lapses in the government's the evolution of aviation security regulations, Rohatgi argued that the legal framework has changed significantly since earlier precedents. "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 insisted that Rule 12 mandates a hearing before any drastic decision such as revocation of security clearance is such decisions are made, the principles of natural justice kick in. I wasn't even given notice, even though the rule says I have to be given one. I am not insisting on a copy of the reasons. I'm saying I was handicapped because the material wasn't supplied to me," the senior advocate pointed one point, the bench asked whether the rules allowed courts to direct the authorities to share documents. Rohatgi pointed to Rule 12 again, stating that an accused party must at least have an idea of what they are being accused of. "If I had known about the accusation, some solution could have been found. If the problem is that some of the people are from Turkey, I'll replace those people. What more can I say?" Rohatgi counsel also emphasised that Celebi does not operate shops or duty-free zones, but handles passengers, luggage, and check-ins at airports. "What they've done now is shifted my 10,000 employees to work under other ground handlers. The employees are still there, it's the company that's being thrown out," he DEFENDS MOVE Meanwhile, the central government defended its move, claiming that the decision was taken in the interest of national security in light of certain inputs that continuing the services of Celebi Aviation and other such companies would be hazardous in the current am saying that it is a national security issue and the order (revoking clearance) reflects the same. Enemy can make 10 attempts and has to succeed in one. While security agencies have to succeed on all 10 occasions. National security based upon civil aviation security has to be placed on the highest pedestal," Centre's Solicitor General Tushar Mehta INDIA BUSINESSFounded in Istanbul, Celebi operates across nine major Indian airports — including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore — handling around 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport alone, it controls nearly 70 per cent of the ground-handling responsibilities include ground handling, cargo transport, and airside services — all tightly regulated due to the high-security nature of airport operations.
News18
21-05-2025
- Business
- News18
'Indian Company, Indian Employees…': Turkish Firm Celebi To Court Over Cancelled Security Clearance
Last Updated: The security clearance of the firm was revoked days after Turkey backed Pakistan and condemned India's strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror camps in the neighbouring country Turkish firm Celebi Aviation on Wednesday said it is an Indian company with Indian employees, as the Delhi High Court heard its plea challenging its revoked security clearance for airport operations. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Indian boycott expected to aggravate further the dire economic situation of Turkish citizens
By John Solomou Nicosia [Cyprus], May 21 (ANI): The widespread boycott call by Indian citizens and businesses on Turkish products and services, which was caused by Turkey's blatant support of Pakistan in the conflict that erupted after Operation Sindoor is expected to aggravate further the dire economic problems faced by ordinary Turks due mainly to rampant inflation and the devaluation of the Turkish Lira. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has always supported Pakistan's claims in Kashmir, rportedly supplied more than 350 drones and some military operatives to Pakistan during the conflict. In a message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan reiterated his support for Pakistan saying, 'As in the past, we will continue to stand by you in good times and bad in the future.' This uncalled-for intervention in a conflict far away from Turkey's borders in which Ankara has absolutely no reason to get involved as well as its attempt to change its outcome, by helping to coordinate Pakistani drone strikes on India, has greatly angered the Indian people and businessmen who decided to stop importing goods and services from Turkey and sever business relations with Turkish traders and manufacturers. Already, major tourist platforms reported a 60 per cent reduction in bookings by Indians in holidays in Turkey and a more than 250 per cent increase in cancellations. As in 2024 this number stood at 3,30,100 visitors, the cancellations could mean dozens of millions in lost revenue. According to Indian Brand Equity Foundation, India's imports from Turkey stood at USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. Furthermore, the Indian government has cancelled a USD 2.3 billion shipbuilding deal. Also, Turkish Firms like Celebi Aviation that operate ground handling at key airports would be replaced by local or international partners from other countries, while Turkish contractors will be gradually phased out from public works in India. It should be mentioned that according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade in 2024, Turkish exports to Pakistan amounted to USD 918.22 million, and cannot compensate for the loss of exports to India. Undoubtedly, the boycott will deprive Turkey of desperately needed foreign exchange and trade with one of the world's biggest economies and strain its diplomatic ties with India, but it will also affect other important sectors such partnerships between Turkish and Indian universities, like the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia University and Kota University. There is no doubt that the Turkish economy is facing one of the most serious economic crises in Turkey's recent history, with extremely high inflation, while the Turkish Lira has sunk to unprecedented lows. Ordinary people find it very hard to buy food and pay the skyrocketing rents prevailing in major towns and are becoming increasingly desperate. According to the latest real estate rent index calculated by the OECD based on March results, rental fee inflation in Turkey recorded the highest rate among OECD members reaching 96.25 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter. Erdogan's misguided economic policies, such as his insistence on keeping interest rates unrealistically low, his public spending spree and his penchant for constructing mega projects- which he always awards to his cronies - as well as his government's disastrous intervention in markets, have depleted the country's foreign exchange reserves and state coffers. The Turkish lira has fallen to a new record low of 38.7 per USD as investors worry about the country's political and economic outlook, while Turkey's Central Bank continues to intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the currency. The sharp depreciation of the Turkish Lira, instead of boosting exports as Erdogan hoped, has only contributed to a loss of real wages and a declining standard of living for the Turkish people. It is noted that last March the Lira fell to a record low of 40 to 1 USD following the arrest on trumped-up charges of Istanbul's popular Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan's main political rival, who continues to be in jail. The incident triggered the largest protests in Turkey in a decade and raised worries about deepening political instability. Major credit agencies such as Moody's, Fitch and S&P have downgraded Turkey's sovereign debt rating to near junk status, warning of heightened risks of default. As Erdogan's follows unorthodox economic and monetary policies, foreign direct investment (FDI), which used to be a strong pillar of the Turkish economy, has plummeted and foreign firms which in the past considered Turkey as an attractive market are now quite reluctant to invest. According to official figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) annual consumer price inflation slowed to 38.01 per cent in March 2025, down from a peak of around 75 per cent in May of the previous year. However, independent institutes as well as many citizens believe that in reality, inflation is much higher than that. For the majority of ordinary Turks, as a result of high inflation and the devaluation of the currency, which makes imported goods much more expensive, necessities such as food, fuel and housing have become increasingly unaffordable. Erdogan's insistence on implementing his unorthodox monetary policies and the Indian boycott of Turkish products triggered by Ankara's intervention in the conflict between India and Pakistan will undoubtedly make the life of ordinary Turks much more difficult. (ANI)
