Fruit traders across India have begun boycotting Turkish goods, particularly apples, in response to Turkey’s support for Pakistan in recent attacks against India. The move has sparked protests in several parts of the country, with traders asserting that no nation supporting acts of aggression against India will find a market here.
"Turkey gave drones to Pakistan, which were used to attack India. That's why we've decided to stop selling Turkish fruits," a fruit vendor said, reflecting the growing resentment within the trading community.
India imports goods worth over Rs 1,200 crore from Turkey each year, a significant portion of which includes fruits like apples. However, traders have made it clear that while some shipments already in transit may still reach the markets, no fresh orders will be placed moving forward.
"We have boycotted all products from Turkey. Apart from apples, several other fruits were imported from Turkey. We took this step because Turkey supported Pakistan. Turkey used to do good business in India, but now we have ended all trade with them. We will never import anything from Turkey in the future," said Shadab Khan, a fruit trader in Ghaziabad.
Another vendor, Noor Mohammed, expressed similar sentiments, stating, "Through the media, we learned that Turkey has supported Pakistan. Turkey's apple trade in India is worth around Rs 1,200-1,400 crore, and there are 2-3 other fruits also imported. Since Turkey supported Pakistan, we have decided to sever all business ties with them. We don't want any country benefiting from trade with India and then using it against us. We are now boycotting all imported fruits from Turkey and will not engage in any business with them."
Also read: Ixigo halts bookings to Turkey, China, Azerbaijan: CEO reacts
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has also strongly condemned Turkey's growing military alliance with Pakistan, calling for immediate economic sanctions, suspension of flights, and a nationwide boycott of Turkish goods and tourism. In an official statement, the organisation criticised Turkey's strategic defence partnership with Pakistan, stating that it directly endangers India’s national security.
"Turkey seems to have forgotten India's timely humanitarian aid during its times of crisis. In February 2023, following a devastating earthquake, India was among the first to launch 'Operation Dost,' sending over 100 tonnes of relief materials, NDRF teams, military medical units, field hospitals, and essential supplies," the SJM said.
The statement further noted that despite being a NATO member and a supposedly secular republic, Turkey has aligned itself with radical Islamist regimes and military establishments hostile to India’s sovereignty.
"Turkey’s defence cooperation with Pakistan is not merely transactional – it is ideological, and it destabilises South Asia, emboldening Pakistan's military adventurism," the statement added.
SJM also appealed to patriotic Indians to boycott Turkish products, travel, and cultural exports as a gesture of solidarity with Indian soldiers and national interests. "Our trade, investment, and diplomacy must be guided by the principle of ‘Nation First,’" it emphasised.
Follow us
