In a strong show of solidarity with India's national interests, over 125 top trade leaders from across the country on Friday announced a complete boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing their recent pro-Pakistan stance during heightened tensions on the border. The announcement was made during a high-level National Conference of Trade Leaders organised by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in New Delhi, with representatives from 24 states present.
The trade leaders unanimously resolved to sever all forms of trade and commercial ties, including travel, tourism, and corporate collaborations with the two countries. Going a step further, the conference also issued a strong appeal to the Indian film industry to avoid shooting films or promotional content in Turkey or Azerbaijan. They warned that films shot in these countries could face public boycott and resistance from traders and citizens alike.
The resolution comes in the wake of recent diplomatic tensions, with both Turkey and Azerbaijan openly backing Pakistan on the international stage, much to India’s disappointment. Their stance has been viewed as “a betrayal of goodwill” by the Indian trading community, especially given India’s past diplomatic and humanitarian support to both nations.
“It is deeply unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, who have benefited from India’s goodwill, aid, and strategic support in times of distress, have now chosen to side with Pakistan — a country known globally for its support to terrorism,” said CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal. “Their position not only hurts India’s sovereignty and national interest but also directly insults the sentiments of 140 crore Indians.”
CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia echoed the sentiment, saying, “The traders’ community expresses strong resentment and disappointment. These countries have shown ungratefulness and hostility, and we believe they do not deserve any economic cooperation from India.”
The conference also lauded the government’s decision to revoke security clearance for Turkish company Celebi, which handles ground services at nine major Indian airports. The move was seen as a firm step to ensure national security.
CAIT further announced that it will launch a nationwide awareness campaign to mobilize not just the business community, but also consumers, tour operators, and the general public, to support the boycott and protect India’s dignity on the global front.
