Explained: How India’s Trade Ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan Are Being Impacted Amid Tensions Over Pakistan

Amid rising diplomatic tensions, India's trade and tourism ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan are facing increased scrutiny. The situation has escalated following public support from Ankara and Baku for Pakistan in the wake of India's military action targeting terror camps across the border.

In response, several Indian travel platforms, including EaseMyTrip and Ixigo, have issued advisories discouraging travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, traders across India have begun boycotting Turkish goods such as apples and marble.

Background: What Sparked the Conflict?

On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The action was in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. All subsequent military responses have been carried out under the same operation.

Amid this conflict, Pakistani forces reportedly used Turkish drones in a failed attempt to target Indian military installations. On the diplomatic front, Turkey and Azerbaijan openly criticized India’s strikes, further straining relations.

What Does This Mean for Trade?

Q: Why are India's ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan under strain?

A: Both countries have publicly criticized India’s counter-terror operations, and Pakistan’s use of Turkish military equipment has raised concerns in New Delhi.

Q: What is the current trade volume between India and these countries?

A:

India–Turkey Trade:

Exports to Turkey: $5.2 billion (Apr–Feb 2024–25), down from $6.65 billion in 2023–24. This makes up 1.5% of India’s total exports.

Imports from Turkey: $2.84 billion (Apr–Feb 2024–25), down from $3.78 billion in 2023–24, accounting for 0.5% of total imports.

India–Azerbaijan Trade:

Exports to Azerbaijan: $86.07 million (Apr–Feb 2024–25), down from $89.67 million in 2023–24 (0.02% of India’s total exports).

Imports from Azerbaijan: $1.93 million (Apr–Feb 2024–25), up from $0.74 million in 2023–24 (a negligible 0.0002% of imports).

India maintains a trade surplus with both countries.

What Are the Key Traded Goods?

India’s exports to Turkey: Mineral fuels ($960 million in 2023–24), electrical machinery, auto components, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cotton, man-made fibres, iron and steel.

India’s imports from Turkey: Marble slabs and blocks, fresh apples (around $10 million), gold, vegetables, lime and cement, mineral oil ($1.81 billion in 2023–24), chemicals, pearls, iron and steel.

India’s exports to Azerbaijan: Tobacco ($28.67 million in 2023–24), tea and coffee, cereals, chemicals, plastics, rubber, ceramics, paper and paper board.

Imports from Azerbaijan: Animal fodder, organic chemicals, essential oils, raw hides and leather (valued at $1.52 million from Apr–Feb 2024–25). India was Azerbaijan’s third-largest crude oil buyer in 2023.

People-to-People Connections

Indian diaspora: Approximately 3,000 Indian nationals reside in Turkey, including 200 students. In Azerbaijan, the Indian community is estimated at over 1,500.

Tourism: Around 300,000 Indian tourists visited Turkey in 2023, while over 200,000 travelled to Azerbaijan the same year.