In an age of instant outrage, calls for economic boycotts often arise from public sentiment and social media campaigns, especially when a country appears to take a hostile stance toward India. Turkey has faced such backlash in recent years—largely due to its statements on Kashmir and its military ties with Pakistan, including supplying drones. While these developments have drawn criticism from citizens and commentators alike, it is noteworthy that India’s official stance has remained measured and pragmatic, steering clear of populist trade retaliation.
But even as emotions run high, we must ask a rational question: What do we gain by boycotting Turkey—and what do we stand to lose?
India Has a Trade Surplus with Turkey—that’s a Strategic Win
Contrary to popular assumptions, India exports more to Turkey than it imports. In FY 2023-24, India exported goods worth approximately $7 billion to Turkey, while imports were around $2.5 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.5 billion in our favor.
This is not just a statistic. It’s a direct contribution to India’s:
- Foreign exchange reserves
- GDP growth
- Employment generation
- Tax revenues
If we boycott Turkey, we risk hurting Indian businesses that are successfully selling to Turkish buyers. We also reduce our influence in a strategically important nation that serves as a bridge between Europe and West Asia.
Trade Is Strategy, Not Sentiment
One of the gravest misconceptions in public discourse is that doing business with a country implies ideological alignment or friendship. But the truth is: trade is not emotional—it is strategic.
One of the gravest misconceptions in public discourse is that doing business with a country implies ideological alignment or friendship. But the truth is: trade is not emotional—it is strategic.
- Creates mutual dependencies
- Offers leverage in negotiations
- Keeps communication channels open
- Fuels domestic economic growth
If India exports more to Turkey than it imports, it is not a weakness—it is a position of strength. We are profiting from the relationship, gaining market share, and supporting Indian jobs.
Selective Outrage Undermines National Interest
Critics often cite Turkey’s supply of drones to Pakistan or its repeated references to Kashmir as reasons for an economic boycott. These are legitimate diplomatic concerns. But let’s zoom out for perspective:
- The United States has historically supported Pakistan with billions in aid, arms, and
political backing. - China is Pakistan’s strongest strategic partner and an open adversary of India.
- The UK and Canada have offered safe havens to separatist elements.
- Many Gulf nations, now friendly to India, once backed anti-India resolutions.
If we were to boycott every country that ever acted against India's interests, we would be left with almost no major trading partners.
Instead, India has chosen wisely: engagement over isolation. We continue to trade, negotiate, and assert our interests—even with those we disagree with. This is not hypocrisy; it’s realpolitik.
Nation First Means Acting in the Nation’s Long-Term Interest
There’s a growing tendency to equate boycotts with patriotism. But in cases where India is running a trade surplus, stopping trade is not a patriotic act—it’s a strategic error.
When we sell more than we buy, we’re earning, not losing. When we pull out of that arrangement, we:
- Hurt our exporters
- Lose jobs
- Encourage retaliatory boycotts
- Send a signal of economic immaturity
Worse, we risk handing over that market to our competitors—from China, Southeast Asia, or Europe. In such cases, loud boycotts attract attention but damage long-term interest.
So let’s be clear: "Nation First" is not about pulling back—it is about pushing forward. Keeping trade open, especially when it's favorable to us, is a powerful way to serve the national interest.
Boycotts May Feel Good—but They Don’t Do Good
There’s no denying that economic boycotts can feel like moral victories. But they rarely yield strategic benefits. In the case of Turkey:
- India is the economic gainer
- Turkey is not a large export partner, but a growing one
- A boycott would hurt Indian exporters more than Turkish consumers
- The symbolic message may land, but the economic impact will boomerang
Let’s not forget: global trade is deeply interconnected. Even if Indian businesses don’t sell directly to Turkey, they may be part of a global supply chain that does. Cutting links with onencountry can ripple across dozens of sectors at home.
True Nationalism Is Building, Not Breaking
Real nationalism is not about shouting slogans or banning products. It’s about:
- Growing exports
- Creating jobs
- Building global market dominance
- Strengthening India’s economic muscle
By doing business with countries like Turkey—and profiting—India is asserting its global economic leadership. If Turkey is paying India for goods and services, we are the winners.
The Path Forward: Engage, Don’t Enrage
It’s time we moved past reactive patriotism and embraced a long-term vision. Engagement does not mean endorsement. It means leverage. It means profit. It means power.
Let Turkey buy Indian steel, software, spices, and pharmaceuticals. Let Indian entrepreneurs build businesses that outshine politics. Let India grow rich on trade—even with countries that don't always agree with us.
Because in the final analysis, you don’t boycott your way to superpower status—you trade your way there.
Author: Rajiv Mitra
Business Leader | Strategic Thinker | Advocate for India's Global Economic Leadership
