Latest news with #UdaipurMarbleProcessorsAssociation
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
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.
