India will not implement a trade ban on Turkey in the near future despite increased demands from domestic industries. The reason is India’s $2.73 billion trade surplus with Turkey. Even though New Delhi is limiting Turkish participation in strategic infrastructure projects for national security concerns, officials are being cautious not to jeopardize trade relationships. Engineering goods, chemical, and electronics exporters will suffer if India bans trade.
Meanwhile, apple producers and marble manufacturers are calling for immediate action to protect their livelihoods. Turkey’s recent pro-Pakistan policy has further heightened the debate.
Surplus Drives Trade Cautiousness
India sells much more to Turkey than it buys. The excess is primarily industrial goods such as machinery, electronics, and chemicals. These have increased steadily for five years. Conversely, Turkey only exports a few items to India—primarily apples, dry fruits, gold, and marble.
This deficit is in favor of India. To shut off trade would be a loss for Indian sellers compared to Turkish sellers.
Domestic Industries Raise Alarm
Despite the over-supply, industry voices are increasing. Apple producers from Himachal Pradesh recently pressed the Commerce Ministry to prohibit Turkish apples. They argue that Turkish apples, usually subsidised, pour into the Indian market and undercut home prices. Farmers allege apples aren’t simply fruits but the economic spine of their state.
At the same time, Udaipur marble processors have approached the PMO. They are seeking restrictions on Turkish marble imports, accusing them of unfair pricing and threat to local production.
Geopolitical Tensions Mount
The move comes against the backdrop of deteriorating geopolitical relations. Following India’s Operation Sindoor against terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, Turkey had a robust support of Islamabad. President Tayyip Erdogan received Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif at Istanbul last month. He promised closer defence and transport relations between the two countries.
Turkey also criticized India’s military attacks after the Pahalgam terror attack. Erdogan’s vociferous backing of Pakistan has angered New Delhi, which is now holding internal debates on how to limit Turkish exposure.
Govt Remains Cautious
The top official conceded to receiving some representations calling for an import ban. But the government is balancing the economic implication. “A trade ban would convey a geopolitical signal, but we need to safeguard our exporters as well,” the official said.
For the time being, New Delhi seems to be poised to restrict Turkish access to strategic projects while maintaining trade channels open—for its own economic equilibria.