KKN Gurugram Desk | The recent tensions between India and Pakistan have taken a new turn after Turkey openly sided with Pakistan, providing support in the form of drones. These drones were reportedly used by Pakistan in attempts to strike India, further escalating the situation. As a result, India and Turkey’s relations have become strained, which may have serious implications for the economy, particularly affecting kitchen essentials and food items in the country. Here’s what you need to know about the situation and the potential consequences for Indian consumers.

Turkey’s Open Support to Pakistan: A Major Diplomatic Shift

The latest escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan began after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting militants, which caused Pakistan to retaliate aggressively. The country launched several drone and missile strikes, but India’s air defense system successfully intercepted most of these threats. During this period, Turkey openly supported Pakistan, which has not gone unnoticed in India.

India’s Reaction to Turkey’s Support of Pakistan

Turkey’s support for Pakistan led to widespread discontent across India. The Indian public and political leaders expressed strong disapproval of Turkey’s actions. As a result, social media platforms were flooded with the hashtag #BoycottTurkey as a call for people to reject Turkish products and services. This backlash is having a direct impact on trade relations and could have wider economic consequences, especially in sectors where Turkey has a significant presence in the Indian market.

Which Products Could Become Expensive Due to Strained Turkey-India Relations?

If the #BoycottTurkey trend continues to gain traction, it may lead to significant changes in pricing for certain products in India, especially in the kitchen and food sectors. Let’s explore which items are likely to become more expensive due to the breakdown in relations between India and Turkey.

Turkish Apples: An Early Impact

One of the first product categories affected by the growing tensions between India and Turkey is Turkish apples. India imports around 1.29 lakh tons of apples from Turkey every year. As Indian traders decide to stop buying apples from Turkey, this could lead to a shortage in the supply of apples in India, causing an increase in prices. If the situation escalates further, it could lead to long-term price hikes for apples in the Indian market.

Dry Fruits and Spices: A Potential Price Surge

Another significant area that could face price increases is dry fruits and spices. India imports a large quantity of these goods from Turkey, including pistachios, apricots, and spices like saffron. With trade relations strained, it is expected that the cost of these imported goods will rise. Since these items are essential in Indian kitchens, the price hike could directly affect consumers, particularly during festival seasons or in regions where these items are commonly used.

Turkish Cuisine: An Impact on Popular Dishes

India has long embraced Turkish cuisine, with dishes like Kunafa, Turkish kebabs, and Shawarma being widely enjoyed in major cities. If the boycott sentiment continues to grow, it could impact the availability and cost of ingredients used to make these popular Turkish dishes. Restaurants and food outlets that specialize in Turkish food may have to either increase their prices or source ingredients from alternative markets, leading to a reduction in the affordability of these dishes.

Turkish Tea: A Possible Price Rise

Turkish tea has gained significant popularity in India, particularly in cities like Delhi, where it is served in local cafes and tea stalls. Many residents in areas like Shaheen Bagh enjoy Turkish tea for its unique taste. Turkey also exports a large quantity of tea to India, and the strained diplomatic relations could lead to increased prices for Turkish tea in local markets. Consumers may find themselves paying higher prices for tea as Turkish imports dwindle.

Impact on Turkey-India Trade Relations

The breakdown in relations between Turkey and India is not only affecting kitchen essentials but could also have broader economic implications. As a result of the growing animosity, the Indian market may experience disruptions in the supply of various Turkish products. From food items like dry fruits, spices, and apples to non-food items like textiles and construction materials, the overall cost of these products may increase in India.

Indian traders and businesses are likely to seek alternative suppliers from countries that do not have diplomatic tensions with India, which could result in supply chain adjustments and price fluctuations.

Future Outlook: How Long Will the Boycott Last?

It remains uncertain how long the #BoycottTurkey trend will last, but if the diplomatic impasse continues, it may significantly alter trade dynamics between India and Turkey. The economic impact of this strained relationship could also influence broader consumer markets, not just limited to kitchen items but also extending to other sectors like fashion, textiles, and electronics where Turkish imports have a presence in India.

The Indian government may also step in to mediate these trade relations and find alternative suppliers to minimize the economic impact on the country’s consumers. However, for now, consumers should be prepared for the potential rise in prices for some goods that are imported from Turkey.

What Can Indian Consumers Do?

As the situation evolves, Indian consumers can take the following steps:

1. Monitor Price Trends: Keep an eye on the prices of products like dry fruits, spices, apples, and tea, which could experience a rise due to disruptions in Turkish imports.

2. Seek Local Alternatives: For products that are heavily imported from Turkey, consider purchasing local alternatives if they are available. For instance, local apples might be a more cost-effective choice compared to Turkish apples.

3. Support Local Businesses: Small and local businesses that offer substitutes to Turkish imports might be a more sustainable choice in the long run. Supporting local trade can also reduce the dependency on foreign imports and help the economy.

4. Stay Informed: Keeping up with official news and updates on the India-Turkey relationship will help consumers understand any major changes in trade policies or price adjustments.

The strained Turkey-India relations are not just limited to diplomatic and political ramifications but are also causing significant effects on trade, particularly in essential goods for Indian kitchens. From Turkish apples to tea, dry fruits, and spices, the cost of these items is expected to rise in India as a result of the ongoing #BoycottTurkey movement. While the full impact on the economy remains to be seen, consumers should brace themselves for potential price hikes in the near future.

As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Indian government handles the issue and whether alternative suppliers will be found to mitigate the price surge of Turkish goods.