Traders’ body vows to boycott Turkiye, Azerbaijan products

New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta expressed solidarity with the growing movement to boycott Turkiye and Azerbaijan on Friday. Emphasising the nation's unified stance against those who support terrorism, she said, "If any country gets involved in any way against India, the people of India will boycott it in every way. India is united against the supporters of terrorism." During her inspection of Azadpur Mandi, she commended the traders' decision to stop importing apples from Turkiye, demonstrating their support for the cause.At the all-India trade leaders' national conference in Delhi, meanwhile, several representatives from across the country resolved to boycott all forms of trade and commercial engagement with Turkiye and Azerbaijan, including travel and tourism. The meeting was called by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in New Delhi, where representatives from 24 states participated. "More than 125 leading trade leaders agreed to boycott trade with the two countries, stand in solidarity with PM Narendra Modi, and oppose stoutly those who are against India at this crucial juncture," said CAIT secretary general and member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal. An appeal was made to the Indian film industry not to shoot any film in Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and if any shooting is done, the business community and the people will boycott such films. The conference noted that Turkiye's repeated anti-India rhetoric at international platforms and its continued support for Pakistan's narrative was unacceptable, whereas Azerbaijan's alignment with Turkey and public endorsements of Pakistan's stand reflected a disturbing disregard for India's long-standing friendship and assistance. CAIT national president BC Bhartia said the traders' community expressed strong resentment and disappointment against both countries, calling their actions "ungrateful and hostile".Former Union minister Smriti Irani also extended support to the trade boycott of Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Irani said, "When small traders across the country are standing with the nation, giving up business interests to uphold the pride of the motherland, that sacrifice, too, plays a vital role in nation-building. It is our collective responsibility to do whatever we can for our soldiers and their families."