Shimla: A growing movement across India is urging a boycott of apples imported from Turkey, driven by diplomatic strains linked to Turkey’s perceived support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan defense tensions.
This has sparked backlash affecting tourism and trade, with particular focus on the large volume of Turkish apples entering the Indian market.
The opposition originated in Himachal Pradesh, where political leaders and local apple growers have voiced strong concerns. They criticized Turkey’s stance during “Operation Sindoor,” highlighting India’s previous humanitarian aid to Turkey after a devastating earthquake.
Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh added that, “Imports of Turkish apples hurt our farmers and must stop. We will raise this issue with the central government.”
India imports large quantities of Turkish apples, nearly 500,000 metric tons over the past five years, with 350,000 tons in just the last three years. Turkey is the largest apple supplier to India, accounting for about 23 percent of imports, ahead of Iran, Afghanistan, Italy, and Poland.
The boycott call resonates nationwide. Markets in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh have seen vendors refusing to sell Turkish apples.
Local apple farmers are struggling with the flood of cheaper Turkish imports, especially during the August-September harvest season, which drives down apple prices and threatens their livelihoods.
The backlash extends to broader trade relations, with calls to boycott all Turkish goods. Industry leaders emphasize promoting Indian products while condemning Turkey’s support of Pakistan. Tourism to Turkey from India has also reportedly declined, indicating a broader impact beyond trade.
