India’s Trade With Turkey & Azerbaijan, Why Tensions Are Rising? | Explained

On April 22, a terror attack took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). The Indian strikes led to strong reactions from Pakistan’s allies.

Turkey and Azerbaijan publicly backed Pakistan, criticized India’s actions, and even supported Islamabad with military tools like Turkish drones.

This stance upset India and led to calls for economic and travel boycotts.

How Did India Respond?

India did not respond directly through diplomacy but the public and private sectors took action:

Indian travel companies like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo advised against visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Traders started boycotting Turkish goods like apples and marble.

There was growing anger on social media against Turkish and Azerbaijani support for Pakistan.

What’s the Trade Relationship Like?

India’s trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan is not large, but it does exist.

With Turkey

Exports (India to Turkey):

USD 5.2 billion (Apr-Feb 2024-25)

Items: Mineral fuels, auto parts, pharma, textiles, steel

Imports (Turkey to India):

USD 2.84 billion

Items: Marble, apples, gold, oil, vegetables

With Azerbaijan

Exports (India to Azerbaijan):

USD 86.07 million

Items: Tobacco, tea, chemicals, plastics

Imports (Azerbaijan to India):

Just USD 1.93 million

Items: Leather, chemicals, perfumery

India has a trade surplus with both countries — it exports much more than it imports.

How About the Indian Community?

Turkey: Around 3,000 Indians, including 200 students

Azerbaijan: Around 1,500 Indians

While these communities are small, the ongoing tension could affect their safety, travel, and educational plans.

Why Does It Matter?

Even though trade volumes are relatively small (Turkey makes up just 1.5% of India’s exports; Azerbaijan even less), the political message matters more.

Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan, especially during a sensitive military conflict, may lead India to rethink or reduce engagement with them.

(With agency inputs)

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