New Delhi, May 14 – India's trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan are facing fresh challenges following both nations' vocal support for Pakistan and their criticism of India’s recent counter-terror operations across the border.
Backing of Pakistan Sparks Boycott Calls
The diplomatic strain stems from Ankara and Baku siding with Islamabad and condemning India’s airstrikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, named Operation Sindoor, was launched by India on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22.India's response included multiple retaliatory actions, all conducted under Operation Sindoor. During the conflict, Pakistan reportedly used Turkish drones in its attempts to strike Indian military targets, which further fueled anti-Turkey sentiment within India.
In response, Indian citizens and businesses have begun to call for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism. Online travel portals like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have issued advisories discouraging travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Traders nationwide have also started rejecting Turkish imports, particularly marble and apples.
Trade Volumes and Impact
Despite the uproar, trade with these nations forms a relatively small portion of India’s overall economic engagement.India-Turkey Trade Snapshot:
- Exports: USD 5.2 billion (Apr-Feb 2024-25) vs USD 6.65 billion (2023-24)
- Imports: USD 2.84 billion (Apr-Feb 2024-25) vs USD 3.78 billion (2023-24)
- Trade surplus: India has a positive trade balance with Turkey
- Share in total trade: Exports (1.5%), Imports (0.5%)
Turkey imports marble (blocks and slabs), fresh apples (USD 10 million), gold, vegetables, cement, mineral oils (USD 1.81 billion), and other raw materials like chemicals and pearls.
India and Turkey signed a bilateral trade agreement in 1973, which was followed by the formation of the India-Turkey Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation in 1983.
India-Azerbaijan Trade Snapshot:
- Exports: USD 86.07 million (Apr-Feb 2024-25) vs USD 89.67 million (2023-24)
- Imports: USD 1.93 million (Apr-Feb 2024-25) vs USD 0.74 million (2023-24)
- Trade surplus: India maintains a substantial trade surplus
- Share in total trade: Exports (0.02%), Imports (0.0002%)
