MUMBAI: Small grocery stores and major online fashion retailers in India are boycotting Turkish products, including chocolates, coffee, jams, cosmetics, and clothing. This boycott comes amid rising tensions due to Turkey’s support for Pakistan in its conflict with India.
Recently, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan openly backed Pakistan following military strikes by India, which were in response to an attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. This led to four days of cross-border clashes before a ceasefire was reached.
On Monday, the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), representing 13 million small grocery shops, announced an "indefinite and total boycott" on all goods from Turkey, impacting various products such as chocolates, wafers, jams, biscuits, and skincare items.
In the fashion sector, popular online shopping sites like Myntra, owned by Walmart-backed Flipkart, and Reliance Retail have removed numerous Turkish clothing brands. Sources noted that these actions were taken in the interest of national sentiment, without Walmart’s direct involvement.
Myntra pulled down listings for brands like Trendyol, known for women’s apparel, LC Waikiki, and jeans maker Mavi. Similarly, Reliance’s AJIO platform also took down Turkish brands, indicating a response to national feelings.
Despite these actions, it’s important to note that the Indian government has not mandated a boycott of Turkish products. However, the consumer backlash could still have notable implications. AICPDF estimates that the boycott could impact food product sales worth approximately 20 billion rupees (about $234 million). Apparel imports from Turkey were valued at around $81 million last year.
Additionally, Indian travel companies are seeing a drop in bookings to Turkey due to the ongoing tensions. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, mentioned plans to seek a ban on apple imports from Turkey, which were valued at around $60 million last year.
Last week, Flipkart also announced it would halt bookings for flights, hotels, and holiday packages to Turkey, citing India’s national interests. Many Indians have started cancelling their trips to Turkey, and the Indian government has also revoked security clearances for Turkish aviation firm Celebi. Reports indicate that Air India is urging officials to prevent rival IndiGo from establishing a partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing security and business concerns linked to Turkey’s support for Pakistan.
