'Forgotten Operation Dost': Indian fruit traders boycott Turkish goods over support to Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Protests have erupted in several parts of the nation, as fruit traders begin boycotting Turkish goods, especially apples—after Turkey voiced support for Pakistan in its actions against India.

Traders have strongly opposed Turkey's stance, saying any country that supports Pakistan against India will face a boycott. "Turkey gave drones to Pakistan, which were used to attack India. That's why we've decided to stop selling Turkish fruits," a fruit vendor told news agency ANI.

Sellers indicated that whilst previously ordered consignments are still in transit, they will not place additional orders. "We've decided to stop buying Turkish fruits from now on. Any country that supports terrorism will not be entertained in Indian markets," another trader said.

India's annual imports from Turkey exceed Rs 1,200 crore, with fruits, especially apples, comprising a considerable portion.

Protesters criticised Turkey for utilising Indian revenue to support Pakistan against India and pledged to halt the sale of Turkish produce in neighbourhood markets.

"We have boycotted all products from Turkey. Apart from apples, several other fruits were imported from Turkey. We took this step because Turkey supported Pakistan. Turkey used to do good business in India, but now we have ended all trade with them. We will never import anything from Turkey in the future," a local fruit trader, Shadab Khan said.

"Through the media, we learned that Turkey has supported Pakistan. Turkey's apple trade in India is worth around Rs1,200-1,400 crores, and there are 2-3 other fruits also imported. Since Turkey supported Pakistan, we have decided to sever all business ties with them. We don't want any country benefiting from trade with India and then using it against us. We are now boycotting all imported fruits from Turkey and will not engage in any business with them," another fruit vendor, Noor Mohammed said.

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) firmly denounced Turkey's strengthening military alliance with Pakistan and demanded immediate economic sanctions, flight suspensions, and a nationwide boycott of tourism and Turkish goods, as stated in an official SJM release.

According to the manch, "Turkey seems to have forgotten India's timely humanitarian aid during its times of crisis. In February 2023, following a devastating earthquake, India was among the first to launch "Operation Dost," sending over 100 tons of relief materials, NDRF teams, military medical units, field hospitals, and essential supplies. India stood by Turkey not just as a trade partner but as a responsible global power upholding the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. At multilateral forums like the G20 and UN, India consistently supported inclusive engagement with Turkey, including discussions on energy security and counter-terrorism."

SJM urged Indian citizens to boycott Turkish products, travel, and cultural exports as a show of support for Indian soldiers and national interest. They called on people to choose self-reliance instead of depending on countries that support India’s adversaries.