India’s Business Community Boycotts Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Support for Pakistan
India Takes a Stand: Business Boycott Against Turkey and Azerbaijan
In a powerful show of solidarity with India, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced a complete boycott of all trade and business relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This decision comes in response to what the traders see as a betrayal of India’s goodwill and support, particularly in light of the recent open backing these countries have given to Pakistan.
Unanimous Decision, Outrage Among Traders
Over 125 top trade leaders from across India gathered at a national trade conference in New Delhi on May 15th. The resounding message: India will no longer do business with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This boycott extends to all sectors, including travel and tourism. The traders also called on the Indian film industry to avoid shooting in these countries, threatening to boycott any films that do.
The traders expressed their outrage, labeling the policies of Turkey and Azerbaijan as ungrateful and anti-India. They pointed to Turkey’s repeated anti-India comments on global platforms and Azerbaijan’s alignment with Turkey and public support for Pakistan as disrespectful to India’s efforts for friendship and cooperation.
National Security and Betrayal: The CAIT’s Stance
Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT General Secretary and BJP Member of Parliament, delivered a strong statement, calling Turkey and Azerbaijan’s actions an assault on India’s sovereignty and national interests. He emphasized that these countries, who have benefited from India’s support, are now siding with Pakistan, a nation known for its alleged support of terrorism.
Khandelwal highlighted the importance of economic pressure, stating, “The Indian trading community has always stood with the nation. When any country challenges India’s unity and integrity, we will respond with the most peaceful yet powerful weapon – economic boycott.”
Concrete Actions and a Wider Campaign
The CAIT outlined specific actions to implement the boycott:
- Nationwide boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani products.
- Indian traders will cease all imports and exports involving Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- Complete halt to business relations – Indian exporters, importers, and trade delegations will be barred from entering into any kind of commercial partnerships with companies or institutions in these two countries.
- Boycott of travel and tourism – Travel agencies and event planners will be urged not to promote Turkey or Azerbaijan as tourist or business destinations.
- An appeal to the Indian government – a memorandum will be submitted to the Ministries of Commerce and Industry and External Affairs, requesting a policy-level review of all business ties with these countries.
The CAIT also announced a nationwide awareness campaign to engage traders, consumers, and travel professionals in the boycott movement, aiming to protect India’s sovereignty, security, and national pride.
Looking Ahead: A Ripple Effect
This bold move by the Indian business community sends a clear message: India will not tolerate actions that threaten its national interests. The boycott is likely to have a significant impact on trade relations between India and Turkey and Azerbaijan, and it could also influence other countries’ responses to India’s stance on this issue.
