In a strong economic response to Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced a complete trade and travel boycott of the two countries.
Following a national conference of trade leaders on Friday, CAIT Secretary General and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal declared that all imports and exports with Turkey and Azerbaijan will cease with immediate effect.
“A collective decision has been taken by trade leaders to end all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. They have openly supported Pakistan against India, and we cannot accept that,” Khandelwal said.
The boycott includes a direct appeal to the Indian film industry and advertising agencies to refrain from shooting films or commercials in Turkey and Azerbaijan. Companies defying this appeal will face nationwide boycotts, CAIT warned.
Aligning with Strategic National Interests
This move reflects India’s broader economic nationalism strategy, with trade actions now seen as tools to assert geopolitical red lines. Union Minister Smriti Irani praised the decision, calling it a bold stand in support of Indian soldiers and a meaningful step toward self-reliance and “Make in India.”
“The boycott by CAIT strengthens India’s economy and is dedicated to our brave jawans who guard the borders,” Irani said.
Tourism Boycott & Impact on Turkish Economy
CAIT has also called on Indian citizens to cancel all travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the economic blow this could deal, especially to Turkey’s thriving tourism industry.
Praveen Khandelwal revealed that:
- Turkey welcomed 300,000 Indian tourists in 2024, a 20.7% increase from the previous year.
- Indian tourists spent an average of USD 972 per person, resulting in USD 291.6 million in revenue for Turkey.
- A boycott could cause direct losses of nearly USD 300 million, and even more from the cancellation of weddings, corporate events, and cultural programs.
To further this effort, CAIT has reached out to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, demanding the termination of codeshare agreements between Indian airlines and Turkish Airlines, particularly targeting ties with IndiGo.
Background and Future Action
CAIT, which previously led a nationwide boycott of Chinese goods, is now expanding its campaign to target Turkey and Azerbaijan. The group plans to coordinate with tour operators, airlines, and other stakeholders to ensure the travel boycott gains momentum.
Members of the Chamber of Trade and Industry have also pledged to cease trade and travel with the two countries, reinforcing the resolve to uphold India’s dignity on the global stage.