‘Big ban’ actions: How India is shunning Pakistan and its allies like Turkey & Azerbaijan – top 5 measures

Indian merchants, businesses, and consumers are increasingly severing commercial relationships with Pakistan and its allies like Turkey and Azerbaijan. (AI image)

Indian companies and consumers are increasingly snubbing Pakistan and its allies after the Pahalgam terror attack and support of countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan to India’s neighbour during Operation Sindoor.Indian merchants, businesses, and consumers are increasingly severing commercial relationships with Pakistan and countries supporting India’s neighbour.Business dealings and travel with Turkey and Azerbaijan have reduced after their declarations backing Pakistan post-Indian military strikes on Pakistan’s terror camps and air bases during Operation Sindoor. Here’s a look at how India’s steps are impacting Pakistan and its allies and how Indian businesses and consumers are boycotting dealings with these countries:The Big Trade ImpactThrough a May 2 directive, the Indian government prohibited all Pakistani imports, including products both originating from and passing through Pakistan. India is also keeping a hawk’s eye on goods coming in from Gulf countries to see that no Pakistani goods enter India. Officials estimate that the indirect trade channel is around $500 million.Also Read | All trade routes closed for Pakistan: India scrutinising imports from UAE, Iran & other Gulf countries to spot Pakistani goodsThe Confederation of All India Traders announced on Friday its decision to cease imports from and exports to Turkey and Azerbaijan.The trade between India and Turkey reached approximately $10.4 billion during the fiscal year that concluded March 2024.Reports indicate that traders are now avoiding Turkish apples and marbles as part of the protest. Also, jewelers in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, are refusing to deal in traditionally popular Turkish jewellery.BusinessesOn Wednesday, India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority instructed online platforms including “Amazon.com Inc., Walmart Inc.-backed Flipkart India Pvt., and Etsy Inc.” to stop selling Pakistani flags and associated items in India, Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on X.In response, Amazon said, ““Amazon.in operates as an online marketplace where independent third-party sellers offer and sell their products. We require sellers to offer products which comply with applicable Indian laws and Amazon policies. We remove non-compliant product listings upon notification from relevant regulatory authorities. The products in question are not available for purchase on our marketplace.”Major Indian e-commerce platforms have ceased selling Turkish clothing brands. Myntra has temporarily suspended sales of Turkish brands, including Alibaba-owned Trendyol, for which it holds exclusive marketing rights in India, industry sources familiar with the situation told ET.Similarly, Ajio, the online retail platform of Reliance, has halted sales of its entire Turkish apparel portfolio, including brands such as Koton, LC Waikiki and Mavi. Currently, all products from these brands are listed as out of stock on the platform.Also Read | India-Pakistan ceasefire: How India’s punitive measures will continue to hit Pakistan’s fragile economy – explainedAirportsIndian authorities have revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Hava Servisi AS, ending its operations at Indian airports. The aviation ministry cited national security concerns as the basis for this decision, without providing additional details.The company provided ground handling services across nine Indian cities. Subsequently, airport authorities in New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad announced the termination of their agreements with Celebi.Impact on TravelTourist reservations for Turkey and Azerbaijan experienced a 60% decline, whilst cancellation rates increased by 250% in the previous week compared to the period before the escalation of tensions, according to Makemytrip Ltd.’s statement on Wednesday.Reuters reported that Air India has approached Indian authorities to prevent InterGlobe Aviation Ltd.’s IndiGo from extending its aircraft leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines. The report also mentioned that the Tata Group-owned airline highlighted its competitor’s codeshare arrangement with Turkish Airlines in documentation submitted to government departments.Meanwhile, several travel companies, including Le Travenues Technology Ltd.’s Ixigo, Easy Trip Planners Ltd. and Cox & Kings Ltd., have discontinued their promotional activities and travel services to Turkey and Azerbaijan.A representative from MakeMyTrip said, “We strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey.”EntertainmentAccording to a Bloomberg report, images of Pakistani performers have been removed from Indian film promotional materials and song thumbnails across music platforms. CAIT, the trade organisation, urged production houses and commercial enterprises to cease film productions and promotional activities in Turkey.According to local media reports last month, the Indian authorities restricted access to YouTube channels belonging to Pakistani cricket personalities like Shoaib Akhtar, alongside channels of various news organisations from that country.Two days prior to the ceasefire, X said it had received directives from Indian authorities demanding the blocking of more than 8,000 accounts within the country, with potential consequences including monetary penalties and jail terms for the company’s India-based staff.