New Delhi, May 16 (H.S): The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced on Friday the end of all business and tourism relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. During the national trade conference organized by CAIT at the Lalit Hotel in New Delhi, more than 125 top business leaders from across the country unanimously resolved to terminate all business and tourism relations with both countries.
CAIT’s National General Secretary and MP Praveen Khandelwal stated that more than 125 trader representatives from 24 states of the country have decided to end all business and tourism relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan at the national trade conference.
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, All India Organizing Secretary of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch Kashmiri Lal, National Co-Coordinator Ashwini Mahajan, and CAIT’s National President B.C. Bhartiya, along with other business leaders, were present at the conference.
Khandelwal noted that the more than 125 top business leaders at the national trade conference unanimously vowed that the Indian trading community would completely boycott all forms of trade and business relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan, including travel and tourism. The business community has also appealed to the Indian film industry not to shoot any films in Turkey and Azerbaijan. If any film is shot there, the business community and the general public will boycott such films. It was also decided at the conference that no corporate house will shoot promotional material for its products in Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The CAIT General Secretary stated that representatives from 24 states expressed solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the conference, pledging to firmly oppose all forces that stand against India. Business leaders passed this resolution concerning Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan, especially at a time when India is facing a sensitive and serious national security crisis. The trading community believes this is a kind of betrayal against India, especially in light of the humanitarian and diplomatic assistance that India, and particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provided to these countries during times of crisis.
Earlier, addressing the traders’ national conference, CAIT’s National General Secretary and MP Praveen Khandelwal said, “It is highly unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan have taken advantage of India’s goodwill, assistance, and strategic support, but are now siding with Pakistan—a country known for supporting terrorism in the world. This stance is an affront to India’s sovereignty and national interests and also an insult to the sentiments of 1.4 billion Indians.” Khandelwal added that Turkey’s repeated anti-India statements on international platforms and support for Pakistan are unacceptable, while Azerbaijan’s alignment with Turkey and public statements in favor of Pakistan reflect a disregard for India’s friendship and cooperation. The Indian trading community has always stood with the nation.
The National President of CAIT, Bhartiya, stated that the business community has expressed strong anger and dissatisfaction towards both countries. Addressing business leaders, he described the policies of both nations as ungrateful and anti-India. Bhartiya mentioned that it was unanimously decided at the National Traders’ Conference that such countries should not receive any economic cooperation or trade benefits from India. Furthermore, at the national conference of CAIT, traders welcomed the Indian government’s decision to revoke the security clearance of the Turkish company Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited, which was providing services at India’s nine major airports. This decision was made in the interest of national security.
Key decisions of the conference:
– Nationwide boycott of products from Turkey and Azerbaijan.
– Indian traders will now cease all imports and exports with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
– Complete cessation of trade relations with these two countries.
– Indian exporters, importers, and business delegations will be barred from entering into any type of business partnerships with companies or institutions from these countries.
– Boycott of travel and tourism plans. Travel agencies and event planners will be requested not to promote Turkey and Azerbaijan as tourist or business destinations.
CAIT’s National General Secretary and MP from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, stated that a memorandum will be submitted to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of External Affairs, demanding a policy-level review of all business relations with these countries.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
