In the wake of escalating tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, a nationwide economic backlash against Turkey is rapidly gaining ground. What initially began as a social media campaign tagged under #BoycottTurkey has now snowballed into tangible commercial consequences across India.

Udaipur Marble Traders Lead the Economic Rejection

The most impactful response comes from Udaipur, a city often dubbed the marble capital of India. The Udaipur Marble Processors Association, which represents over 125 businesses, has announced a complete halt on Turkish marble imports, making headlines across trade and political circles.

“Business cannot be bigger than the nation,” asserted Kapil Surana, the Association’s President, in a statement to ANI.

India imports a staggering 14–18 lakh tonnes of marble annually from Turkey, valued at over ₹2,500–3,000 crore. With Turkey accounting for nearly 70% of all marble imports, this boycott will likely create a massive void in the Indian stone industry. The trigger? Reports suggest Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones were allegedly used by Pakistan in recent hostile encounters with Indian forces.

Fruit Markets Drop Turkish Apples

The economic retaliation isn’t restricted to marble. Turkish apples, once a seasonal staple in Indian fruit markets, are being systematically phased out. Traders in Pune, Mumbai, and other metros have completely stopped sourcing apples from Turkey.

In Pune, seasonal revenues from Turkish apples used to hover around ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 crore. “Now, there’s zero demand,” said Suyog Zende, a local trader from the APMC market.

Instead, fruits are now being sourced from Iran, Washington (USA), New Zealand, and Indian states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This strategic shift is rooted in nationalistic sentiment, not just market economics.

Price Hikes and Supply Disruptions Follow

With Turkish apples pulled off the shelves and supply chain disruptions from Kashmir due to rains, apple prices have shot up significantly. Retail prices have increased by ₹20–30 per kg, while wholesale carton prices (10 kg) have spiked by ₹200–300.

This comes on the heels of broader India–Pakistan tensions post-Operation Sindoor and adds further strain to fruit markets already grappling with unpredictable logistics and climate-related delays.

Sentiment Echoes Post-Uri and Galwan Economic Nationalism

This isn’t the first time India has resorted to economic retaliation as a diplomatic tool. The mood strongly resembles the boycott of Chinese goods post the 2016 Uri attack and the 2020 Galwan clash.

“We are sending a clear message to the world: India will not tolerate any nation that backs terrorism,” said Hitesh Patel, general secretary of the Udaipur Marble Association.

The association’s appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges a formal ban on Turkish marble, indicating a more structured, government-backed economic disengagement may be imminent.

Demand to Expand Boycott Beyond Marble and Apples

Traders from various sectors are now urging the government to extend the boycott beyond just apples and marble. Calls are growing for a “full-spectrum economic disengagement” with Turkey. This includes the potential ban or restriction on Turkish electronics, textiles, and even tourism-linked transactions.

Such sentiment isn’t confined to organized industry bodies. Small retailers, online sellers, and distributors are also pulling Turkish items from their inventories.

Strategic Implications and Turkey’s Position

The root cause of this economic uproar lies in Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Ankara has repeatedly backed Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at international forums, drawing India’s ire.

Additionally, the reported use of Turkish drones by Pakistani forces adds a military dimension to this economic fallout, worsening public sentiment in India. Despite Turkey’s outreach in other areas—like tourism, bilateral trade agreements, and technology sharing—these have now taken a backseat.

Turkish Products Losing Market Value in India

With demand nosediving, many importers of Turkish goods are experiencing losses. Importers who had previously locked in shipments before the political fallout are now struggling to find buyers.

Large-scale cancellations of pre-booked orders for Turkish marble slabs and apple containers have been reported. Port warehouses are beginning to see Turkish goods piled up as buyers back out due to patriotic reasons.

Government Response Awaited

As of now, the Indian government has not imposed official sanctions or bans on Turkish goods, but pressure is mounting. Industry leaders and citizens alike are demanding a clear stance from the Ministry of Commerce and the External Affairs Ministry.

The Udaipur association’s formal letter to PM Modi and rising public sentiment could push the government towards introducing tariff barriers, import restrictions, or diplomatic rebukes.

Looking Ahead: Will the Boycott Hold?

While boycotts driven by nationalistic sentiment have a history of waning over time, the present case may endure longer due to:

• Wide industry participation

• Visible economic impact

• Increased public awareness through social media and mainstream media

• Repeat provocation from Turkey’s diplomatic positioning

If the government does step in with formal measures, the boycott could transform into a long-term trade policy shift, potentially benefiting Indian producers and non-Turkish trade partners.

Conclusion

The India-Turkey fallout over Pakistan is a telling example of how geopolitical stances can shape economic decisions. What started as hashtags and outrage has now become a tangible shift in how Indian markets operate.

As patriotic consumerism rises, and traders across marble and fruit sectors take visible action, the message is clear: National interest now outweighs profit margins.

Whether this turns into official government policy remains to be seen, but for now, Turkey’s foothold in the Indian market is slipping—and fast.

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