Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.India has initiated a comprehensive boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan following their overt support for Pakistan during recent geopolitical tensions. This movement, led by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and bolstered by public sentiment, spans multiple sectors, including trade, tourism, education, and aviation.
Indian traders have ceased importing Turkish apples and marble, citing both economic and national security concerns. Turkey previously supplied approximately 70% of India's marble imports, valued between ₹2,500–3,000 crore annually.
In regions like Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, fruit growers and traders have demanded a complete ban on Turkish apple imports, arguing that subsidized Turkish apples undermine local farmers and national interests.
Tourism Sector Faces Significant Decline
The boycott has severely impacted tourism between India and Turkey. In 2024, around 3.3 lakh Indian tourists visited Turkey, contributing approximately ₹3,000 crore to its economy . However, travel bookings have plummeted by 60%, with cancellations surging by 250%.
Travel agencies, including MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip, have suspended promotions for Turkey and Azerbaijan, and organizations like the Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA) have halted the sale of travel packages to these countries.
E-Commerce Platforms Remove Turkish Brands
Major Indian online retailers, such as Myntra and Reliance-owned Ajio, have stopped selling Turkish apparel brands. This decision aligns with the broader boycott movement and reflects the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on business decisions within the e-commerce sector.
Educational and Aviation Ties Severed
Indian educational institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia, have suspended collaborations with Turkish universities, citing national security concerns.
In the aviation sector, the Indian government revoked the ground-handling license of Turkish firm Celebi, which operated at major Indian airports, due to security issues.
Economic Impact on Turkey
India's exports to Turkey amounted to $5.2 billion between April 2024 and February 2025, while imports stood at $2.84 billion . Although India's share in Turkey's total exports is relatively small, the boycott affects key sectors like tourism and specific exports such as apples and marble.
Key Developments
Trade Boycott: Indian traders halt imports of Turkish apples and marble, impacting sectors worth thousands of crores.
Tourism Decline: Indian tourist bookings to Turkey drop by 60%, with significant economic implications.
Retail Response: E-commerce platforms cease sales of Turkish brands amid boycott calls.
Educational Ties Severed: Indian universities suspend collaborations with Turkish institutions.
Aviation Measures: Government revokes license of Turkish aviation firm Celebi.
Economic Impact: Boycott affects Turkey's exports and tourism revenue from India.
Public Sentiment: Nationwide support for the boycott reflects strong nationalistic sentiment.
