A day after Indian traders announced a nationwide boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday extended his full support to the move, calling it a powerful expression of public sentiment.
During his visit to Gwalior, Scindia said, “This is an emotional and voluntary decision taken by the people, and I bow before them. I fully support it.” He emphasised that the nation’s interest comes first, adding there would be no compromise on India’s security and sovereignty.
Traders hit back at ‘betrayal’ by Turkey and Azerbaijan
The minister’s remarks followed a major resolution passed at a national traders’ convention in Delhi on Thursday. Over 125 top business leaders from across the country, under the banner of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), unanimously decided to sever all trade and commercial links with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This includes stopping all imports and exports, as well as halting tourism and business travel.
The decision came in response to both countries extending support to Pakistan amid heightened national security tensions in India.
CAIT Secretary General and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, “Turkey and Azerbaijan once benefited from India’s goodwill and support. Their open support for Pakistan, a known sponsor of terrorism, is an insult to 1.4 billion Indians.”
No films, no ads: CAIT calls for cultural boycott too
CAIT also urged the Indian film industry and advertisers to stop shooting films or promotional content in Turkey and Azerbaijan. The trade body warned that any such content would face a boycott from the trading community and the public.
Echoing the sentiment, CAIT National President B C Bhartia said the Indian trading community feels “deeply hurt and disappointed” by the hostile stance of the two countries. He added that no trade benefits should be offered to nations that disrespect India’s longstanding friendship.
Welcoming the government’s recent move to revoke the security clearance of Turkish company Celebi Ground Handling India Pvt Ltd, which operated at nine major airports, CAIT said it was a bold and necessary step in national interest.
Key actions outlined in the boycott plan
• Complete stop on imports and exports involving Turkey and Azerbaijan
• End of business relations with companies from the two countries
• Travel and tourism promotions to be halted
• Formal request to Commerce and External Affairs Ministries to re-evaluate trade ties
