The growing social media movement to ‘ Boycott Turkey ’ is having a tangible impact on Indian businesses with a surge in travel cancellations and backlash against Turkish imports such as apples, jewellery and marble. The campaign stems from Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan and its criticism of India’s recent cross-border military strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Tensions escalated after it emerged that Pakistan had deployed Turkish drones extensively during its military confrontation with India. In a strong response, over 125 leading Indian trade representatives have pledged to sever all commercial ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan including suspending travel and tourism activities.The trade also appealed Indian film industry not to undertake shooting of any film in Turkey & Azerbaijan and if any shooting is done, the business community and the people will boycott such a film. The resolution also warns corporate houses not to shoot any product promotion film in Turkey & Azerbaijan. The decision was taken at a National Conference of Trade Leaders convened by the *Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in New Delhi, where representatives from 24 states participated.
CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal said “It is deeply unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, who have benefited from India’s goodwill, aid and strategic support in times of distress, have now chosen to side with Pakistan — a country known globally for its support to terrorism. Their position not only hurts India’s sovereignty and national interest but also directly insults the sentiments of 140 crore Indians.”
The conference noted that Turkey’s repeated anti-India rhetoric at international platforms and its continued support for Pakistan’s narrative are unacceptable, whereas Azerbaijan’s alignment with Turkey and public endorsements of Pakistan’s stand reflect a disturbing disregard for India’s long-standing friendship and assistance.
CAIT National President B C Bhartia said the traders’ community expressed strong resentment and disappointment against both countries, calling their actions “ungrateful and hostile.” *It was unanimously agreed that such nations do not deserve any economic cooperation or trade advantage from India.
The trade leaders acclaimed the decision of the Government for revoking security clearance for Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited “, a Turkish company, in the interest of national security, which is handling services at nine major airports of India.
