Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, Indian retailers and online platforms have launched a sweeping boycott of Turkish products, ranging from food and cosmetics to apparel and travel services.
The move comes in response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent public show of solidarity with Pakistan following a deadly militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which led to retaliatory airstrikes by India and several days of cross-border hostilities. Although a ceasefire was eventually declared, Erdogan’s stance has stirred widespread resentment across India.
On Monday, the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF)—which supplies nearly 13 million mom-and-pop grocery outlets—announced an “indefinite and total boycott” of Turkish-origin goods. The organisation stated the decision would impact a wide array of products, including Turkish chocolates, biscuits, jams, wafers, coffee, and skincare items. The value of affected goods is estimated at approximately ₹20 billion ($234 million).
Major Indian online fashion retailers are also joining the boycott. Myntra, the fashion arm of Walmart-backed Flipkart, has reportedly delisted Turkish brands such as Trendyol, LC Waikiki, and Mavi. A source familiar with the matter said the decision was made “in the national interest” and was not influenced by Walmart.
Similarly, Reliance’s fashion platform AJIO has removed popular Turkish brands like Trendyol and Koton from its listings, with many products marked as “out of stock.” A source close to the matter cited “national sentiments” as a key factor behind the move. Neither Flipkart, Reliance, nor the affected Turkish brands responded to media inquiries.
While New Delhi has not issued any official directive mandating a boycott, the unofficial campaign appears to be gaining momentum. Imports from Turkey were valued at $2.7 billion last year, largely driven by mineral fuels and precious metals. Apparel imports alone totalled $81 million, according to Trading Economics. The boycott is extending beyond retail. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he would seek a ban on Turkish apple imports, which were valued at around $60 million in 2024.
In a further show of solidarity, Flipkart has also suspended bookings for flights, hotels, and travel packages to Turkey, citing concerns over “India’s national interest and sovereignty.”
Travellers have been cancelling trips to Turkey, and the Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish aviation services company Celebi. Additionally, Air India is reportedly lobbying to block a proposed aircraft leasing partnership between rival IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, citing both business and national security concerns. As diplomatic friction persists, the consumer-led boycott highlights the growing influence of national sentiment on trade and corporate behaviour in one of the world’s largest markets.