New Delhi– In a strong show of solidarity and national resolve, more than 125 top trade leaders from across India have pledged to boycott all trade and commercial ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan, including travel and tourism activities.
The call to action was made during a National Conference of Trade Leaders convened by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in New Delhi on Friday, with participation from representatives spanning 24 states. The leaders passed a unanimous resolution to sever economic and commercial engagement with both countries, citing their recent public support for Pakistan amid a sensitive national security climate for India.
As part of the resolution, the trade leaders also urged the Indian film industry to refrain from shooting films in Turkey or Azerbaijan. They warned that any films shot in these countries would be boycotted by both the business community and the general public. The resolution further cautioned corporate houses against producing promotional content in these nations.
The move follows statements and actions by Turkey and Azerbaijan in support of Pakistan—widely criticized for its ties to terrorism—which Indian traders view as a betrayal, especially in light of the diplomatic, strategic, and humanitarian support India has extended to both countries in the past.
“It is deeply unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, nations that have benefited from India’s goodwill and support, have now chosen to side with a country globally known for harboring terrorism,” said CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal. “Their actions undermine India’s sovereignty and insult the sentiments of 1.4 billion Indians.”
The conference highlighted Turkey’s continued anti-India rhetoric on international platforms and its alignment with Pakistan’s narrative. Azerbaijan’s open endorsement of Turkey’s stance and support for Pakistan were also condemned as a betrayal of India’s long-standing friendship.
CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia stated that the trader community was “deeply disappointed” by what it called the “ungrateful and hostile” behavior of both nations. The resolution affirmed that such countries no longer deserve the benefit of Indian trade, cooperation, or goodwill.
The trade leaders also praised the Indian government’s recent decision to revoke the security clearance of Turkish company Çelebi, which manages ground-handling services at nine major Indian airports, citing national security concerns.
CAIT further announced plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating and mobilizing traders, consumers, and travel professionals to join the boycott and stand against nations perceived to be acting against India’s interests. (Source: IANS)
