In recent years, a rising sentiment in India to boycott Turkish products and services has emerged, especially following Turkey’s increasingly antagonistic stance on issues critical to India. The call to boycott Turkey is not merely an economic protest—it is a geopolitical statement reflecting the strained bilateral relations between the two nations. This article delves into the origins of the “Boycott Turkey” movement in India, the political motivations behind it, its implications, and public response.
1. The Root of the Boycott Movement
The boycott movement against Turkey in India gained momentum after repeated controversial statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Over the last few years, Erdoğan has criticized India on several sensitive issues, particularly on Jammu and Kashmir. Turkey has consistently sided with Pakistan, a close ally, and has raised the Kashmir issue on international platforms like the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), portraying India as an oppressor.
This one-sided narrative has not gone unnoticed in India. In a country where Kashmir is seen as an integral part of national identity and sovereignty, Erdoğan’s comments are perceived as direct interference in India’s internal matters. This has led to a surge in nationalist sentiments and calls for a boycott of Turkish goods, services, and tourism.
2. Turkey-Pakistan-China Axis
Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan and China, two nations often at odds with India, has further escalated tensions. While Turkey claims to champion the cause of Muslim unity, critics argue that its selective outrage, especially on Uyghur Muslims in China, exposes its double standards. This growing axis is viewed with suspicion in Indian strategic circles, and the boycott is seen as a countermeasure to limit Turkey’s influence.
3. Economic Relations: How Much Does It Hurt?
India and Turkey have modest trade relations, with bilateral trade hovering around $10 billion annually. India primarily exports textiles, machinery, chemicals, and automobiles to Turkey, while importing minerals, processed food, and construction materials. The boycott calls may not significantly affect India economically but could impact Turkish tourism and businesses.
Several Indian travel agencies have already stopped promoting Turkey as a tourist destination. Bollywood filmmakers, once drawn to Turkey’s scenic locations, have shifted their focus elsewhere. There have also been calls to stop buying Turkish-made products, such as ceramics, carpets, and processed foods.
4. Bollywood and Turkey: A Cultural Disconnect
Bollywood enjoys significant popularity in Turkey, and actors like Aamir Khan have a strong fan base there. However, after the Turkish First Lady met with Khan during the shooting of his film Laal Singh Chaddha, many Indians criticized the actor for engaging with Turkey amid its anti-India rhetoric. The incident sparked online backlash, fueling the #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottBollywood trends on social media.
5. Social Media Campaigns and Public Sentiment
The #BoycottTurkey hashtag has trended multiple times on platforms like Twitter (now X), with users urging others to:
- Avoid Turkish goods.
- Choose alternative travel destinations.
- Raise awareness about Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance.
- Support Indian businesses and brands.
These online campaigns have gained momentum, especially during major geopolitical events or after anti-India statements by Turkish officials.
6. India’s Diplomatic Response
India has responded diplomatically by scaling down high-level engagements and minimizing economic cooperation with Turkey. There are reports that Indian policymakers are exploring alternative alliances in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern region, such as with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, to counterbalance Turkey’s influence.
Furthermore, India has tightened scrutiny on Turkish NGOs operating within the country, some of which are believed to have links with extremist groups.
7. Is the Boycott Working?
While it’s too early to measure the full impact of the boycott, it has certainly created a shift in public perception. Tourism inflow from India to Turkey has dropped, Indian brands are cautious about partnerships with Turkish firms, and public discourse is more alert to foreign nations taking stances against India’s interests.
8. The Road Ahead
The boycott of Turkey is not a standalone issue—it represents a broader ideological and strategic shift in Indian foreign policy. As India asserts itself on the global stage, it expects mutual respect from other nations. If Turkey continues to meddle in India’s internal affairs, the calls for boycott may intensify.
However, there is also room for diplomatic recalibration. Both nations share historical ties and cultural exchanges that could serve as a foundation for mending relations—provided mutual respect and non-interference become guiding principles.
The Boycott Turkey movement in India is a reflection of rising public consciousness regarding international diplomacy. It underscores the power of citizen-led initiatives in shaping foreign policy narratives. While economic repercussions for Turkey may be limited, the political and cultural message is loud and clear: India will not tolerate international interference, especially from nations aligning with its adversaries.
