FJCCI calls for suspension of trade with Turkiye & Azerbaijan

Ranchi: In a significant move that reflects growing national sentiments, the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FJCCI) announced the suspension of trade activities with Turkiye and Azerbaijan. The decision comes in response to the two countries' recent political stances perceived as unfavourable to India, including support for Pakistan after India's counter-terrorism strikes across the Line of Control (LoC).In the aftermath of Ankara and Baku's statements backing Islamabad, Indian sentiment has shifted sharply, with online travel companies advising Indian citizens against visiting Turkiye and Azerbaijan. FJCCI has also scheduled a meeting with traders of different businesses in Jharkhand on Monday to bolster the appeal to the trade suspension. The federation's main focus will be on ceasing booking tours to Turkiye and Azerbaijan, both popular destinations among Indian tourists, including those from Jharkhand.Talking to TOI, FJCCI chairman of export sub-committee Suresh Agarwal said though Jharkhand has no direct export and import link with both countries, some items, including Turkish marble and food items, have been purchased by Indian traders. "A few traders in Jharkhand deal in Turkish marble, imported by other states. However, I have no information on Turkish food items imported to Jharkhand. No item is exported to both countries from Jharkhand. Indian traders in many parts of the country have initiated informal boycotts, causing a noticeable drop in the purchase of Turkish apples and marbles. FJCCI will also follow the steps," Agarwal said.The chairman added that the federation will appeal to the traders in Jharkhand to boycott items imported from Turkiye and Azerbaijan so that the two countries could feel the blow to their economy."Additionally, the economy of both countries is dependent on tourism, and many from Jharkhand also visit tourist destinations in Turkiye and Azerbaijan. The federation appeals to tour and travel operators in the state to suspend tours to the two countries, ensure security of Indian tourists and also to make the countries incur loss in the tourism sector," Agarwal added.