Explainer: India’s trade relations with Turkey, Azerbaijan and how it may be affected after Pakistan conflict

NEW DELHI: India’s trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan are facing new challenges after both countries voiced “support for Pakistan” and criticised New Delhi’s recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Their stance has sparked nationwide calls in India to boycott goods from Turkey and Azerbaijan and avoid traveling to these countries.Online travel platforms like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have also issued advisories urging people to avoid visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan. While MakeMy Trip has “discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations.”On the top of it, Indian traders have also started boycotting Turkish products such as apples and marbles.

Why are relations under strain?

The tensions began after Turkey and Azerbaijan openly condemned India’s actions against terror infrastructure in Pakistan during its ongoing conflict, especially following ‘Operation Sindoor.’Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, that claimed 26 lives. As part of the operation, India destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.Azerbaijan’s government released an official statement criticising India’s military operation, raising concerns about civilian casualties and urging a diplomatic solution.The Turkish Foreign Ministry labelled India’s airstrike as a “provocative” action and cautioned about the possibility of a major conflict. India has discovered that Pakistan is utilising Turkish-manufactured Asisguard Songar drones.Pakistan’s use of Turkish drones in attempts to target Indian military installations further added fuel to the fire. “Our integrated air defence (AD) systems stood like a wall and they (Pakistan) could not breach it. Whether it’s a Turkish drone or anything else, it fails in front of the technology of India,” director general of air operations had earlier said in a briefing.

What is the current state of trade between India, Turkey, and Azerbaijan?

India’s trade with both Turkey and Azerbaijan is relatively limited, but India enjoys a trade surplus with both.India–Turkey Trade: During April-February 2024-25, India’s exports to Turkiye reached $5.2 billion, compared to $6.65 billion in 2023-24. This represents approximately 1.5% of India’s total exports valued at $437 billion.For the same period, India’s imports from Turkiye amounted to $2.84 billion, down from $3.78 billion in 2023-24. This constitutes roughly 0.5% of India’s total imports of $720 billion.India–Azerbaijan Trade: India imported goods worth $2.84 billion from Turkiye between April and February 2024-25, down from $3.78 billion in 2023-24. This makes up about 0.5% of India’s total imports of $720 billion.India’s exports to Azerbaijan registered $86.07 million during April-February 2024-25, slightly lower than $89.67 million in 2023-24. This amounts to just 0.02% of India’s overall exports.

What products are traded between these countries?

India and Turkey signed a bilateral trade agreement in 1973. Later, in 1983, they agreed to establish a Joint Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation.

How are the people-to-people ties between India and these nations?

There are around 3,000 Indian nationals residing in Turkey, including 200 students. In Azerbaijan, the Indian community is smaller but significant, with more than 1,500 people living there.

How many Indian tourists visit Turkey and Azerbaijan?

An estimated 3 lakh Indian tourists visited Turkey in 2023, while over 2 lakh visited Azerbaijan.