Turkey-Azerbaijan Boycott: Indian traders cut ties over support to Pakistan citing insult to 1.4 billion countrymen

Turkey, Azerbaijan Boycott: In a major decision taken during a national traders’ convention held in Delhi on Thursday, over 125 top business leaders from across India unanimously resolved to completely cut all trade and commercial ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This includes a halt to all imports and exports, as well as tourism and travel-related engagements with the two countries.

The convention was organised by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which represents a large section of India’s trading community. The move comes in response to Turkey and Azerbaijan openly supporting Pakistan at a time when India is grappling with a sensitive national security situation.

CAIT has also urged the Indian film industry to avoid shooting films in these two countries, warning that any film shot in Turkey or Azerbaijan will be boycotted by the trade community and the public. Corporate houses have been requested not to shoot advertisements or promotional material in either country as well.

Also Read:Turkey faces heat as Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports end ties with Ankara’s Celebi over support to Pakistan

Delegates from 24 states participated in the conference and extended their solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pledging to oppose all international forces that stand against India’s interests.

CAIT slams Turkey, Azerbaijan for siding with Pak, calls it betrayal of India’s goodwill

Speaking at the event, CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal said,  “It is extremely unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan who once benefited from India’s goodwill and strategic support are now standing with Pakistan, a nation globally known for harbouring terrorism. This is not just a blow to India’s sovereignty, but an insult to the sentiments of 1.4 billion Indians.”

Khandelwal added that repeated anti-India remarks from Turkey at international forums and Azerbaijan’s public support for Pakistan highlight their disregard for India’s long-standing friendship and cooperation.

Echoing this sentiment, CAIT National President B C Bhartia said that the Indian trading community is “deeply hurt and disappointed” by the stand taken by Turkey and Azerbaijan, calling their policies “ungrateful and anti-India.” He stated that no economic benefits or trade privileges should be extended to such nations.

Welcoming the Indian government’s recent decision to revoke security clearance for Turkish firm Celebi Ground Handling India Pvt Ltd, which was operating at nine major airports, traders called it a bold move in the interest of national security.

Also Read:Indian traders may boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan over support to Pakistan; CAIT key meet on May 16 

Key decisions taken at convention:

Nationwide boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods: Indian traders will stop all imports and exports from these countries.

No more business ties: Indian exporters, importers, and trade teams will stop all dealings with companies or organisations from Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Ban on travel and tourism: Travel agencies and event planners will be asked not to promote Turkey or Azerbaijan as places to visit or do business in.

Request to Indian government: CAIT will send a letter to the Commerce and External Affairs Ministries, asking them to rethink India’s trade relations with these two countries.

Khandelwal concluded the session by saying, “India’s trading community has always stood with the nation. When any country challenges our unity and integrity, we will respond with our most peaceful yet powerful weapon: an economi boycott.” CAIT also announced a nationwide awareness campaign to mobilise traders, consumers, and travel professionals to support the boycott in the interest of safeguarding India’s sovereignty, security, and dignity.