India’s Trade Relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan
Recent tensions between India, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have arisen due to their support for Pakistan in the ongoing conflict. India has launched Operation Sindoor to target terror camps in Pakistan. Due to Turkey’s support for Pakistan, calls were made for boycotting Turkish products and tourism. Online platforms have issued advisories against travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Indian traders have begun to boycott Turkish goods, impacting trade relations .
Trade Relations
India has maintained trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan for decades. A bilateral trade agreement was signed in 1973. The India-Turkiye Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation was established in 1983. These agreements aimed to enhance economic collaboration.
Current Trade Dynamics
India’s exports to Turkey reached USD 5.2 billion from April to February 2024-25. This is a decrease from USD 6.65 billion in the previous year. Exports to Azerbaijan were USD 86.07 million in the same period. This is a slight decline from USD 89.67 million in 2023-24. India’s imports from Turkey were USD 2.84 billion, down from USD 3.78 billion. Imports from Azerbaijan stood at USD 1.93 million, a rise from USD 0.74 million. Overall, India enjoys a trade surplus with both nations.
Major Products Traded
Key exports to Turkey include mineral fuels, electrical machinery, and auto parts. Other exports consist of organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cotton. Major imports from Turkey are marbles, apples, and mineral oil. Similarly, India’s exports to Azerbaijan include tobacco, tea, and chemicals. Imports from Azerbaijan feature animal fodder and essential oils.
Impact of Recent Developments
The recent conflict and India’s retaliatory actions have strained these trade ties. The backing of Pakistan by Turkey and Azerbaijan has led to a negative perception of their products in India. This may further reduce trade volumes. The calls for boycotts indicate a growing sentiment against Turkish goods among Indian consumers.
People-to-People Ties
Cultural and educational exchanges exist between India and these nations. Approximately 3,000 Indians reside in Turkey, including around 200 students. In Azerbaijan, over 1,500 Indians live there. These communities encourage connections that could influence trade and diplomatic relations.
Tourism Trends
Tourism has been aspect of India’s relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. In 2023, around 300,000 Indian tourists visited Turkey. Over 200,000 Indians travelled to Azerbaijan. Recent advisories against travel could affect future tourism numbers.
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