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Hans India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India's $2.84 Billion Turkish Imports Under Pressure Amid Boycott Calls
A growing wave of nationalist sentiment is shaking up India-Turkey trade relations, as the 'Boycott Turkey' campaign intensifies following Ankara's public support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. As a result, Indian traders are rejecting key Turkish imports such as apples and marble, while tourism and investment ties are also feeling the impact. The movement, driven largely by social media and backed by political and industry figures, gained traction after Turkey and Azerbaijan sided with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Allegations of Turkish arms support to Pakistan further inflamed public opinion, prompting calls for a "Nation First" economic stance. Trade Hit Hard India currently runs a trade surplus with Turkey. Between April and February 2024–25, India exported goods worth $5.2 billion to Turkey while importing $2.84 billion, primarily comprising mineral oil, marble, apples, and chemicals. Turkey is among the top suppliers of apples and marble to India, but that may soon change. In response to the boycott campaign, fruit traders in Pune have stopped procuring Turkish apples, instead sourcing from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Iran. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis endorsed the decision, emphasizing national interest over foreign trade. Similarly, the Udaipur Marble Processors Association, representing over 125 marble firms, urged the government to ban Turkish marble imports — which currently make up about 70% of India's total imports in the segment — citing national security concerns. Association president Kapil Surana said, "Business cannot be bigger than the nation." Tourism and Investment in Decline The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has also called for a nationwide travel boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. According to CAIT, travel bookings to Turkey have plummeted by 60%, while cancellations have surged 250% in a week. Online travel agencies like EaseMyTrip and MakeMyTrip have issued advisories against non-essential travel. The financial impact could be significant. Of the 62.2 million tourists Turkey received in 2024, around 300,000 were from India, contributing approximately $291.6 million to its tourism revenue. Government Yet to Announce Official Ban Despite the ongoing campaign, there has been no official government announcement restricting trade or travel. However, the public pressure has already affected bilateral commerce and sentiment. India and Turkey have historically maintained cordial ties. In 2023, India was among the first countries to send aid after a devastating earthquake in Turkey, under Operation Dost. Over 250 Indian personnel participated in rescue efforts and medical relief. But Turkey's latest political stance has triggered a sharp turn in public opinion, with nationalist voices urging businesses and citizens to place national security and sovereignty above economic ties.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India boycotts Turkey: Jamia Millia Islamia, MakeMyTrip, Udaipur traders cancel ties over pro-Pakistan stance; here's what we know
Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi announced on social media that it has suspended all Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with any Turkish government-affiliated institutions. The move, effective immediately, was attributed to 'national security considerations.' The university said it 'stands firmly with the Nation' and did not specify when or if the MoUs would be restored. Moreover, the Indian government has also canceled the security clearance of Turkish ground handling company, Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. Travel industry sees rising cancellations to Turkey and Azerbaijan The sentiment against Turkey and Azerbaijan is also visible in India's travel sector. Travel portal MakeMyTrip reported that bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped by 60%, while cancellations increased by 250%. While the platform continues to offer bookings to these countries, it issued a statement supporting national sentiment and discouraging non-essential travel to both destinations. EaseMyTrip, another major travel portal, had issued a similar advisory on May 9. Founder Nishant Pitti had publicly urged travellers to avoid Turkey and Azerbaijan due to their support for Pakistan. The company has not suspended existing bookings but reported a 22% cancellation rate for Turkey and over 30% for Azerbaijan. Turkey and Azerbaijan remain major destinations for Indian tourists—Turkey received 3.3 lakh Indian visitors in 2024, while Azerbaijan welcomed over 2.4 lakh. Despite this, the boycott has led to reduced bookings and increased awareness across social media, where hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan have been trending since May 11. Traders halt Turkish imports, push for sanctions The campaign has also reached trade associations in India. In Udaipur, the marble processors association has stopped importing marble from Turkey, which accounts for 70% of India's marble imports—valued at around Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 crore annually. Association president Kapil Surana said that all members agreed to the decision and have written to the Prime Minister urging formal sanctions. 'We fully support the historic decisions he has taken in the last few days,' Surana said, referring to India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. General secretary Hitesh Patel added that national interest must come before business. In Pune, traders have also joined the call by boycotting Turkish apples, contributing to the broader boycott movement that has gained support from political parties like Shiv Sena. The party had earlier called for an end to IndiGo's codeshare with Turkish Airlines and urged citizens to stop flying with the airline altogether. Public and private sectors echo boycott calls From academic institutions like Jamia Millia to private companies and local trader groups, the response to Turkey and Azerbaijan's stance on Pakistan has triggered a coordinated backlash across India. As the political tension continues, calls for boycotts are being echoed both online and offline, with institutions taking visible steps in response to public sentiment.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Udaipur halts rs 3,000 cr marble imports from Turkey for backing Pakistan in Op Sindoor; ‘India needs no allies', say netizens
Udaipur's marble industry, one of Asia's largest, has suspended imports from Turkey amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The move came after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan during the recent conflict. Local marble traders have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting strong action against Turkey. Imports worth rs 3,000 crore affected India imports 14–16 lakh tonnes of marble annually, with 70% coming from Turkey. Udaipur alone hosts around 125 marble processing units, of which 40–50 directly import Turkish marble. With the boycott now in effect, marble imports worth an estimated Rs 3,000 crore have been impacted. Udaipur traders appeal to PM Modi The Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, led by its president Kapil Surana, has appealed to the central government to officially end trade with Turkey and other nations that sided with Pakistan. 'We are one of the biggest markets for Turkish marble. We have urged the PM to take firm action,' said Surana. The committee is also in touch with marble associations across India for a broader boycott. #WATCH | Udaipur, Rajasthan: Udaipur marble traders end business with Turkiye for siding with Pakistan amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Kapil Surana, President of Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, says, "Udaipur is Asia's biggest exporter of marbles. All… Support for Indian marble likely to grow According to Surana, the decision to stop trade with Turkey sends a strong signal that the Indian government has the full backing of industries. 'If we stop trade with Turkey, the demand for Indian marble will grow,' he said. Traders believe this will also help promote Indian products and reduce dependence on politically sensitive imports. Other regions may join the boycott Udaipur's call for boycott may soon be joined by other key marble hubs such as Kishangarh, Rajsamand, and Chittorgarh. These regions are also significant players in India's marble market and have been importing cost-effective marble with a wide range of colors from Turkey. Public sentiment reflects shift in trade and tourism The boycott by Udaipur traders follows a broader sentiment shift in India against Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both nations had condemned India's Operation Sindoor strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian tourism platforms like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have also advised against travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan citing security and diplomatic tensions. Social media backs the move Reactions on social media largely supported the marble traders' decision. One user wrote, 'India has a population of 150 crores, which is four times that of Turkey and Pakistan combined. A united India needs no allies.' India has a population of 150 crores, which is 4 times the population of Turkey & Pakistan combined. A united India needs no allies! Another added, 'If we are boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan, China should definitely be on the list too.' Agree with you if we are boycotting Azerbaijan and Turkey then definitely China too should be on top for boycott
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Boycott Turkey' gains momentum amid India-Pak tensions: Udaipur marble traders ban imports
Udaipur marble traders end business with Turkey for siding with Pakistan amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Kapil Surana, President of Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, said, 'Udaipur is Asia's biggest exporter of marbles. All members of the committee had unanimously agreed to stop trade with Turkey because of its support to Pakistan... 70% of the marble imported to India comes from Turkey... Not just Udaipur, if all marble associations stop their trade with Turkey, it will give a strong message to the world that the Indian government is not alone, industries and all Indians stand with our government... If we stop trade with Turkey, the demand for Indian marble will grow.' Show more Show less
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India-Pakistan conflict: Traders in Udaipur, Pune push for ban on Turkish imports
Traders in Udaipur and Pune urge ban on Turkish marbles and apples UDAIPUR/PUNE: In a move driven by national sentiment following revelations about the origin of drones used against India, marble traders from Udaipur, Rajasthan — considered the country's marble capital — have called on the central government to ban imports from Turkey. The appeal comes in the wake of reports shared during Operation Sindoor, which revealed that Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones were deployed by Pakistan in the recent attack. The Udaipur Marble Processors Association has already halted imports from Turkey on its own and urged similar action nationwide. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, they requested formal sanctions, especially targeting marble imports. 'We fully support the historic decisions he has taken in the last few days,' said association president Kapil Surana, referring to the Indian response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Backing the government's stand, Hitesh Patel, general secretary of the association, added, 'We feel that business and industry cannot be bigger than the nation and national interest.' He further said that if trade bodies across India unite and cut off imports from Turkey, it would be a strong signal of national solidarity. 'If other associations across India too decide to stop imports from Turkey, it will send a clear message to the world that Indian businesses are fully backing the government in this critical time,' he noted. The association pointed out that India imports between 14-18 lakh tonnes of marble annually, with Turkey accounting for about 70% of the supply. The trade is estimated to be worth Rs 2,500 to 3,000 crore, they said. Patel also suggested that the ban shouldn't be limited to marble alone, hinting that broader restrictions on Turkish products could follow in light of the country's alleged military links with Pakistan. The Udaipur-based association has over 125 members, most of whom have backed the call for a complete halt on Turkish imports in solidarity with the armed forces and the national interest. No sale of Turkish apples in Pune Fruit traders across Pune have completely halted the sale of Turkish apples, leaving the imported variety missing from city markets. The boycott, which gained momentum in the wake of Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan, has also found strong support from local consumers, who are deliberately steering clear of Turkish produce and turning to apples from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Iran and other regions. This move is expected to hit seasonal sales significantly, as Turkish apples generally contribute Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 crore in annual fruit market revenue in the city. 'This is not just a business decision — it's a stand in support of our armed forces and the government's actions,' said Suyog Zende, a prominent trader at Pune's APMC market. He confirmed that demand for Turkish apples has plummeted and that local vendors have stopped sourcing them altogether.
