Calls for Economic Measures, Travel Restrictions, and Diplomatic Reassessment Amid Heightened Tensions
New Delhi, May 14 — In a strong statement targeting Turkey's growing defence collaboration with Pakistan, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an RSS-affiliated organisation, on Wednesday called on the Indian government to take decisive action including economic sanctions, suspension of civil aviation links, and a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism.The demand comes in the wake of a recent four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, during which Turkish-made drones were reportedly used to target Indian military facilities.
"Unholy Alliance" Threatens India's Security, Says SJM
Ashwini Mahajan, SJM’s national co-convenor, expressed serious concern over Turkey’s strategic alignment with Pakistan, calling it an “unholy alliance” that directly compromises India’s national security. He noted that Turkey is now Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier after China, and has been instrumental in modernising Pakistan's navy and boosting its aerial warfare capabilities.“This defence collaboration is not just commercial; it is ideological, targeting the stability of South Asia and emboldening Pakistan's military adventurism,” Mahajan said in a statement.
Recommendations to the Indian Government
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful international engagement, the SJM issued a series of recommendations for the Indian government:- Impose economic sanctions on Turkey
- Suspend civil aviation links and direct flights
- Discourage outbound tourism to Turkey
- Re-evaluate diplomatic engagements and reduce cultural exchanges
- Restrict non-essential imports and raise duties on key Turkish commodities such as marble, chemicals, and machinery
- Withdraw aviation codeshare privileges until Turkey halts defence supplies to Pakistan
- Issue travel advisories against visiting Turkey
- Promote Indian alternatives to Turkish goods and tourism destinations
Accusations Against Turkey's Geopolitical Alignments
The SJM accused Turkey, a NATO member and "supposed secular republic", of aligning with "radical Islamist regimes" and backing military establishments hostile to India's sovereignty. The organisation highlighted Turkey's deepening defence cooperation with Pakistan, including the supply of military hardware, technological platforms, and training.“It’s unfortunate that Turkey didn’t even condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam,” Mahajan said.
Reminder of India's Support During Turkish Earthquakes
Mahajan recalled India's humanitarian assistance to Turkey during the devastating earthquakes of February 2023, when India launched Operation Dost, sending rescue teams, army medical staff, field hospitals, and over 100 tonnes of relief materials."Despite these gestures of solidarity and goodwill, Turkey has chosen to side with Bharat's adversaries in matters of vital national security interest," Mahajan stated. "This betrayal of trust must be addressed with moral clarity and strategic firmness."
A Call for Boycott in National Interest
Concluding the statement, Mahajan said, “The people of Bharat must boycott nations actively helping Pakistan build its offensive capabilities. The principle of 'Nation First' must guide our trade, investment, and diplomatic relationships.”The SJM's appeal reflects growing domestic calls for tougher foreign policy responses in light of emerging global defence alignments impacting India's strategic interests.