Why India Is Unlikely to Ban $2.99 Billion Worth of Turkish Imports Despite Calls for a Boycott
India Maintains Trade Ties with Turkey Despite Boycott Calls
India continues to uphold its trade relations with Turkey, citing a significant trade surplus of $2.73 billion and a rise in industrial exports, even as calls for a boycott persist. Farmers and processors are urging for restrictions, but officials are proceeding with caution.
The Indian government seems hesitant to sever trade ties with Turkey amidst widespread cries to “Boycott Turkey,” as reported by The Indian Express. While efforts are being made to limit the involvement of Turkish companies in critical infrastructure due to national security concerns, officials have emphasized that a complete trade ban could negatively impact India’s own export interests.
Local groups are advocating for a ban on Turkish imports, but officials point to India’s trade surplus of $2.73 billion with Turkey as a reason for not rushing into any prohibitions. “It could be a strong geopolitical message, but it’s about how far you want to take it,” stated a government official to The Indian Express.
India’s exports to Turkey have been steadily increasing, particularly in industrial sectors. In the fiscal year 2025, total exports reached $5.72 billion, with engineering goods contributing over $3 billion. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector played a significant role in this growth.
Conversely, Turkey’s exports to India have been concentrated in a few sectors such as fruits, nuts, marble, and gold. In FY25, India imported goods worth $2.99 billion from Turkey.
Last month, apple growers from Himachal Pradesh petitioned the Commerce Ministry to stop apple imports from Turkey, citing detrimental effects on the local horticulture industry. Similarly, marble processors in Udaipur requested a ban on Turkish marble due to Turkey’s support for Pakistan in recent conflicts.
Despite industry pressures and escalating tensions, the Indian government is proceeding cautiously with Turkish imports, balancing political concerns with economic considerations.
