Amid the growing #BoycottTurkey movement nationwide, Shiv Sena has given a 10-day ultimatum to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) to terminate the contract of Turkish ground-handling firm CelebiNAS. The demand is driven by Turkey’s growing defense ties with Pakistan, which is viewed as a threat to Indian national security.
This latest flashpoint is part of a wider backlash against Turkey across India. The hashtag #BoycottTurkey began trending earlier this year, gaining steam after reports surfaced of Turkish military exports being supplied to Pakistan. Most notable among these were drone systems allegedly used in recent skirmishes along the Line of Control, which has reignited anti-Turkey sentiment across political lines.
The Shiv Sena’s stance is not isolated. Across Maharashtra and other states, trade bodies and business groups have started acting on similar concerns. In Udaipur and Pune, marble traders and fruit vendors have begun phasing out Turkish imports. Turkish apples and luxury goods have been pulled from shelves in several markets, with local associations citing patriotism and national interest as their rationale.
Travel and tourism operators have joined the wave too. EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings—two major travel firms—have announced a suspension of all holiday packages to Turkey. The companies said the move was in response to growing consumer demand and India’s deteriorating diplomatic ties with Ankara.
India’s economic relationship with Turkey is not insignificant. In FY 2023–24, bilateral trade between the two nations stood at approximately $10.43 billion. Indian exports to Turkey include textiles, machinery, and chemicals, while imports include edible oils, plastics, and construction materials like marble. Turkish foreign direct investment (FDI) into India has reached $427.5 million across sectors like logistics, aviation, and infrastructure.
Cancelling the CelebiNAS contract could have wider economic ramifications. It would send a strong political message, but also raise investor concerns about the stability and predictability of India’s business environment.
Foreign companies may view the move as a precedent that political or geopolitical shifts could override commercial contracts. There’s also the operational headache.
CelebiNAS is deeply embedded in Mumbai airport’s logistics system. Ground handling contracts are not easily replaceable overnight, particularly at high-traffic hubs like CSMIA.
While there are Indian companies capable of stepping in—such as Air India SATS or Bird Group—any transition would need time, training, and regulatory approval. Failure to manage this smoothly could lead to flight delays, lost baggage, and safety lapses during the handover period.
Beyond Boycott: A Shift In Trade Doctrine
At the heart of this storm is the broader question: is this a one-off political stunt or a signal of a new geopolitical doctrine? India has increasingly linked its foreign policy with domestic security concerns and economic self-reliance. The government’s recent moves, be it reducing reliance on Chinese imports post-Galwan, or suspending trade ties with Pakistan—follow this same trajectory.
Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan at international forums, including at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, has not gone unnoticed. Ankara’s positions on Kashmir and its defense collaboration with Islamabad have strained ties with New Delhi. In that context, Shiv Sena’s call to boot out a Turkish company is not just about one airport—it’s about redrawing the lines of acceptable business alliances.
Whether MIAL ultimately cancels the contract remains to be seen. But the message is clear: companies from countries perceived to be hostile to India may no longer find easy access to its markets. For now, the Shiv Sena’s ultimatum highlights a broader national shift where economic decisions are increasingly driven by security concerns, sovereignty, and public sentiment rather than purely market considerations.
