Indian Retailers Boycott Turkish Products for Supporting Pakistan

Date: May 19, 2025 | By: NewsMakers Web Desk

A major boycott of Turkish goods is gaining momentum across India as tensions rise over Turkiye’s full support for Pakistan in the recent cross-border conflict with India.

Following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s public support for Pakistan after India’s military strikes in occupied Kashmir, Indian retailers and platforms are taking action. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which supplies over 13 million grocery shops, announced an “indefinite and total boycott” of Turkish-origin products — including chocolates, wafers, jams, biscuits, and skincare items.

Leading e-commerce platforms like Flipkart’s Myntra and Reliance’s AJIO have also removed popular Turkish fashion brands such as Trendyol, LC Waikiki, Koton, and Mavi from their listings. Sources say these moves were made “in national interest” and reflect growing public sentiment.

Apple imports from Turkiye could be the next target. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged a ban on Turkish apples, which were worth \$60 million last year.

The backlash has extended into tourism as well. Flipkart has suspended bookings for flights and holidays to Turkiye. New Delhi has also revoked security clearance for Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi, and Air India is lobbying against IndiGo’s aircraft leasing partnership with Turkish Airlines.

Although the Indian government hasn’t officially ordered a boycott, the consumer-led push is already impacting trade. Turkiye exports goods worth \$2.7 billion to India annually, including food products worth ₹20 billion (\$234 million) and apparel worth \$81 million.

US Imposes Visa Bans on Indian Travel Agents

In a separate development, the U.S. State Department has imposed visa bans on Indian travel agency owners and staff accused of facilitating illegal migration. Without naming individuals, Washington cited intelligence gathered from its mission in India and pledged continued action against smuggling networks.

The move is part of President Trump’s wider crackdown on illegal migration. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has also warned Indian visitors against overstaying their visas, stating violators risk deportation and permanent entry bans.