India’s Trade With Turkey & Azerbaijan, Why Tensions Are Rising? | Explained
India's trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan is facing strain after both nations supported Pakistan during a recent conflict. Indian traders and travel firms are now calling for a boycott. Trade with both nations is relatively small but symbolic.
India's trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan is facing strain | Image by Grok |
On April 22, a terror attack took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). The Indian strikes led to strong reactions from Pakistan’s allies.
Turkey and Azerbaijan publicly backed Pakistan, criticized India’s actions, and even supported Islamabad with military tools like Turkish drones.
This stance upset India and led to calls for economic and travel boycotts.
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How Did India Respond?
India did not respond directly through diplomacy but the public and private sectors took action:
Indian travel companies like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo advised against visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Traders started boycotting Turkish goods like apples and marble.
There was growing anger on social media against Turkish and Azerbaijani support for Pakistan.
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What’s the Trade Relationship Like?
India’s trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan is not large, but it does exist.
With Turkey
Exports (India to Turkey):
USD 5.2 billion (Apr-Feb 2024-25)
Items: Mineral fuels, auto parts, pharma, textiles, steel
Imports (Turkey to India):
USD 2.84 billion
Items: Marble, apples, gold, oil, vegetables
With Azerbaijan
Exports (India to Azerbaijan):
USD 86.07 million
Items: Tobacco, tea, chemicals, plastics
Imports (Azerbaijan to India):
Just USD 1.93 million
Items: Leather, chemicals, perfumery
India has a trade surplus with both countries — it exports much more than it imports.
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How About the Indian Community?
Turkey: Around 3,000 Indians, including 200 students
Azerbaijan: Around 1,500 Indians
While these communities are small, the ongoing tension could affect their safety, travel, and educational plans.
Why Does It Matter?
Even though trade volumes are relatively small (Turkey makes up just 1.5% of India’s exports; Azerbaijan even less), the political message matters more.
Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan, especially during a sensitive military conflict, may lead India to rethink or reduce engagement with them.
(With agency inputs)
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