Following Türkiye's open support for Pakistan amid recent tensions between India and its neighbour, a widespread "Ban Turkey" movement has emerged in many places across the country.
Amid this, traders in Pune had decided to cease purchasing Turkish apples. Now, the Spice and Dry Fruits Association of Pune has decided to boycott imports of apricots and hazelnuts from Türkiye.
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Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Navin Goyal, Director of Pune's Spice and Dry Fruits Association Committee, said, "During the India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey supported Pakistan by providing them drones, so we are boycotting the trade of dry fruits with them. We don't want to trade with them anymore. India is always the first to lend them a helping hand, but Turkey supported Pakistan during the crisis. We were trading with Turkey mainly for fruits and dry fruits, but now we don't want to trade with them."
"Also, by not doing any trade with them, they will incur a huge financial loss, their economy will go down, as India is the biggest market consumer in the world. Every year, Turkey earned more than ₹10,000 crore by doing business with us, but now their economy will go down the drain."
Local customers also voiced their support for the trend. A customer said, "We are actively avoiding Turkish produce, reinforcing the ban at the retail level. Their political stance was clear during the conflict, and this is our way of showing gratitude and standing in solidarity with our soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting us."
Citizens are choosing alternatives available locally and internationally, reinforcing the boycott at markets and retail outlets.
Rizwan Khan, a dry fruit shop owner in Uttam Nagar, said, "There has been a decline in the sale of Turkish products in the past few days. People are boycotting Turkish dry fruits. As an Indian, I feel that we should put their market down by not purchasing from them. In support of the armed forces, we will boycott Turkish products."
