India Balances Trade with Turkey Amidst Growing Boycott Demands

The Indian government is navigating a delicate situation with Turkey, choosing not to implement a full trade blockade despite increasing calls for a "Boycott Turkey" campaign, as per The Indian Express. While steps are being taken to restrict Turkish firms' involvement in critical infrastructure over national security concerns, a complete trade ban could inadvertently harm India’s own export interests. 

India’s Dual Challenge: Economic Interests vs. Local Pressure 

India currently benefits from a significant trade surplus of US$2.73 billion with Turkey. As per the Indian Express, this surplus is a key reason the government are not rushing to block Turkish imports. This stance persists even though several domestic groups are demanding curbs on Turkish goods. 

India's exports to Turkey, especially industrial goods, steadily grew to US$5.72 billion in FY25, with engineering goods over US$3 billion. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector accounted for 35-40% of these exports. In contrast, Turkey’s exports to India remained limited to a few key sectors—including fruits, nuts, marble, and gold—totaling US$2.99 billion in FY25. 

Industry Calls for Import Bans 

As per The Indian Express, last month, apple-growers from Himachal Pradesh met Commerce Ministry officials. They demanded a ban on Turkish apple imports, citing heavily subsidised Turkish produce damaging local horticulture and financially stressing farmers. "Apples are not just a commercial crop but the economic backbone of hill states," a grower shared with the publication. 

Similarly, marble processors in Udaipur wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), urging a ban on Turkish marble. They cited Turkey’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor as a reason for their demand. India currently imports the majority of its marble from Turkey. 

Wider Impacts: Aviation and Tourism 

Turkey had increased petroleum imports from India after the Ukraine war, but this trade saw a steep decline in FY25. Meanwhile, security-related steps were taken: the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked security clearance for Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling firm's Indian arm last month. 

The Bombay High Court later intervened, stopping Mumbai Airport from finalising a new contract until June hearings. India’s concerns over Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance are also affecting tourism, with travel agents reporting a dip in Indian tourist interest for Turkey and Azerbaijan. Many travellers are now opting for Central Asian nations instead. 

Read more: India's Economic Might Grows, But Per Capita Income Gap Looms 

Conclusion 

Despite mounting pressure from domestic groups and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Indian government is proceeding cautiously with its trade policy towards Turkey, as highlighted by The Indian Express report. The existing trade surplus and the potential negative impact on Indian exporters appear to be key factors in this balanced approach. While security concerns are addressed in specific areas, a complete trade ban remains a complex decision. 
 
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