Pakistan’s business community rushes to support Türkiye amid Indian boycotts

Amid widespread Indian boycotts over Türkiye’s support for Pakistan during last week’s military clashes, the business community in Pakistan has rushed to aid the West Asian nation.

According to sources in the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FPCCI), the body’s acting president has said that the volume of raw material and other imports from Türkiye to Pakistan should immediately be increased.

The federation has also called on the business community to express “more than usual” support for Türkiye as India trains its guns on the country for honouring its commitments to, and expressing support for, Pakistan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also made an unequivocal declaration of support for the Pakistani people amid heightened regional tensions. “I once again congratulate our Pakistani brothers on their patience, resilience and wise approach,” he said during a cabinet meeting following the ceasefire as a result of Pakistani military’s befitting response to cross-border Indian aggression.

“God willing, Türkiye will continue to stand with the brotherly Pakistani nation in both good and difficult times,” President Erdogan said, which did not sit well with Indians who have since issued calls for the public to boycott Turkey.

The boycott gained momentum after reports emerged of Turkish drones being used by Pakistan against India.

According to reports, India has also barred Turkish firm Celebi from operating at its airports, citing national security concerns -- an allegation the company denies. Several Indian universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Maulana Azad National Urdu University, have also suspended academic ties with Turkish institutions.

"Every hardworking Indian who travels abroad as a tourist understands today that their hard-earned rupee should not be spent on those who help the enemies of our country," said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a former federal minister and a member of PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The social media boycott calls had an immediate impact, with Indian travel sites reporting a sharp spike in cancellations this week.

According to official data, 330,100 Indians visited Turkey in 2024, up from 274,000 in 2023. Despite rising numbers, Indians made up for less than one percent of Turkey's foreign visitors in 2024 -- a modest share with limited impact on overall tourism revenue.