Mumbai— A growing wave of nationalism has triggered a widespread boycott of Turkish goods in India, impacting a variety of consumer products including chocolates, coffee, cosmetics, and clothing. The backlash follows Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s vocal support for Pakistan after India launched military strikes in response to a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, reported the Reuters.
The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which serves nearly 13 million grocery outlets, announced an “indefinite and total boycott” of Turkish-origin products on Monday. This affects popular items such as chocolates, jams, wafers, biscuits, and skincare lines.
Online fashion platforms have followed suit. Walmart-backed Flipkart’s Myntra and Reliance’s AJIO have removed major Turkish fashion labels like Trendyol, LC Waikiki, Koton, and Mavi, citing “national interest” and “public sentiment.” Several listings now appear as out-of-stock, although the companies have not issued formal statements.
While there is no official government directive mandating the boycott, consumer action is already having a considerable effect. AICPDF estimates the ban could impact ₹2,000 crore ($234 million) worth of Turkish food imports. Apparel imports from Turkey totaled $81 million last year, based on Trading Economics data.
In a further escalation, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he would advocate for a ban on Turkish apple imports, which were valued at approximately $60 million last year. Flipkart has also suspended bookings for flights and holiday packages to Turkey “in solidarity with national interest.”
Meanwhile, the Indian government recently revoked the security clearance of Celebi, a Turkish aviation ground handling company, and Air India has urged authorities to block IndiGo’s leasing arrangement with Turkish Airlines, citing concerns over Ankara’s political stance.
The boycott highlights how geopolitical tensions can ripple into consumer and corporate decisions, particularly when national pride and sentiment are at stake.
