In a strong response to Turkey’s open support for Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, business communities in Kanpur and Aligarh have announced the termination of all trade relations with the country. A significant portion of marble imports from Turkey have been cancelled, while educational institutions, including the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have also cut academic ties.
Kanpur, which maintains an annual trade of approximately `1,300 crore with Turkey, is witnessing an 80 percent cancellation of Turkish marble orders. The marble sector alone accounts for `00 crore of this business. According to the Kanpur Marble and Tiles Association, Turkish marble—ranging from `700 to `1,500 per square foot—has been in high demand due to its perceived status appeal. However, traders now say that Indian marble is a viable and superior alternative. “We have cancelled orders worth crores. People are showing restraint in buying Turkish marble as a mark of protest,” said Himanshu Pal, General Secretary of the Kanpur Marble and Tiles Association. Prashant Tiwari, a local trader, stated, “Turkish marble was a status symbol, but Indian marble is much better in terms of quality. This boycott is necessary.” Another trader, Sanjay Kumar Jain, confirmed that he had cancelled a consignment worth `50 lakh. “Demand for Turkish goods has drastically dropped,” he said. Harminder Singh, a hotelier developing properties in Ratanlal Nagar and Fazalganj, said he cancelled an order for Turkish tiles for both projects. “Anyone who supports those who attack our country cannot be trusted. We will not allow them to profit from our market,” Singh said.
Vijay Gupta, another marble trader, acknowledged that while the Indian market may temporarily incur a 10 percent loss, the damage to Turkish exports will be far greater. “There are dozens of marble varieties available within India. The void will be easily filled,” he added. Beyond marble, Kanpur exports a wide range of goods to Turkey including leather, agricultural products, electrical goods, meat, dairy, plastic and animal feed. According to Alok Srivastava, Assistant Director of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), this segment of trade is valued at `700 crore annually. “Kanpur’s products are in high demand in Turkey. The cancellation will have economic consequences for both sides, but more so for Turkey,” Srivastava noted.
In Aligarh—known for its lock and hardware industry—business leaders have taken a similar stand. Prominent hardware trader Virendra Goswami said, “We will no longer send any hardware to Turkey.” Lock manufacturer Vishal Gupta echoed the sentiment, saying, “Turkey will be opposed at every level. No product will be sent there from Aligarh.” The backlash has also reached the educational sphere. Aligarh Muslim University, one of India’s premier institutions, has announced it will no longer maintain any academic partnerships or exchange programs with Turkish universities.
The university administration released a statement on Friday confirming the severance of all ties.
The reaction stems from Turkey’s recent alignment with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, in which several Indian security personnel lost their lives. Reports suggest that Turkey has not only issued diplomatic support to Pakistan but also supplied drones and other military equipment believed to be used against Indian forces.
Protests have also emerged in the local agricultural sector. Umesh Singh, President of the Kanpur Fruit Association, stated that Turkish apples—imported daily in two truckloads—will no longer be sold in Kanpur’s fruit markets. “We will not engage in trade with a country that stands with those who harm our nation,” Singh said.
As anti-Turkey sentiment gains momentum in business and academic circles, Indian traders are calling for greater awareness among citizens to boycott goods from countries perceived as hostile. The movement is likely to impact Turkey’s exports significantly, particularly in niche markets like marble and hardware where Indian alternatives are readily available.
