New Delhi/Gwalior: In the aftermath of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Indian traders have launched a decisive economic retaliation against Turkey and Azerbaijan for extending open support to Pakistan during the conflict.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which represents over 8 crore traders across India, on Friday formally announced a nationwide boycott of all trade, tourism, and entertainment collaborations with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
📢 Three-Point Action Plan Announced by CAIT:
- Immediate halt of all import-export activities with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- Boycott of tourism to Turkey by Indian travelers and agencies.
- Prohibition of film shooting by Indian filmmakers in Turkey or Azerbaijan.
“We helped Turkey during its crisis through Operation Dost. But today it supports a nation that launched missiles at us. This is unacceptable,”
– Bhupendra Jain, CAIT President, Madhya Pradesh
🔻 Trade Associations Follow Suit
- Gwalior Traders were among the first to enforce the boycott, citing betrayal after India’s humanitarian aid to Turkey during its 2023 earthquake.
- The Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants’ Association (BWCMA) also declared a complete suspension of textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan with immediate effect, awaiting further guidance from its central body.
“The decision reflects national sentiment. Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support to Pakistan in its hostile actions against India cannot be ignored,”
– Praveen Khandelwal, BJP MP & CAIT Secretary General
🔍 Background: Operation Sindoor and Diplomatic Fallout
India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed multiple civilians. The operation targeted terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists.
Following the strikes:
- Turkey and Azerbaijan were among the few nations that reportedly supported Pakistan, both diplomatically and militarily through drone and artillery support.
- India has responded not just militarily but is now leveraging its economic and public influence to send a strong signal to those backing cross-border terrorism.
💬 What’s Next?
The CAIT has urged the Indian government to:
- Impose formal trade sanctions
- Bar Turkish and Azerbaijani companies from government tenders
- Monitor and restrict bilateral diplomatic engagements
This move could have significant implications, especially as Turkey was a key textile and leather goods exporter to India, and Indian tourists formed a substantial segment of Turkey’s tourism revenue.