Bengaluru cloth merchants association suspends trade with Turkey, Azerbaijan

IANS May 17, 2025 241 views

The Bengaluru Wholesale Cloth Merchants' Association has made a bold move by completely halting textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This decision comes in response to geopolitical tensions, particularly Turkey's weapons supply to Pakistan. Association President Prakash Chand Pirgal emphasized that while this might cause short-term economic challenges, the principled stand is crucial. The comprehensive boycott covers direct and indirect textile trade, signaling a strong diplomatic statement through economic action.

"When the proposal to boycott textile imports was presented, it was supported by all members within 10 minutes" - Prakash Chand Pirgal
Bengaluru, May 17: The Bengaluru Wholesale Cloth Merchants' Association has announced a unanimous decision to cease all import and export of textiles to and from Turkey and Azerbaijan, with immediate effect.

Key Points

1

Unanimous decision to cease textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan

2

Boycott driven by geopolitical considerations

3

Potential short-term economic impact acknowledged

4

Comprehensive trade suspension including indirect routes

This collective action was taken after careful deliberation and in alignment with the Association's commitment to ethical business practices, national sentiment, and the interests of the trade community.

"As responsible stakeholders in the textile trade sector, we believe it is essential to take principled stands when necessary," the Association said in its official statement.

Talking to IANS, Association President Prakash Chand Pirgal said that all members have agreed to halt both current and future imports of textile goods from Turkey and Azerbaijan, adding that it has also been decided to stop all ongoing and planned export activities to these countries.

"The volume of trade in clothes with Turkey runs into crores. Gents' trousers, cotton clothing, and Turkish towels are the primary imports. When the proposal to boycott textile imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan was presented, it was supported by all members within 10 minutes. Though this may result in short-term losses, we are confident they will be recovered through trade with other countries--possibly with even greater returns," he added.

He further clarified that members would also refrain from engaging in any indirect trade through intermediaries or third-party countries that may involve textile products originating from or destined for Turkey and Azerbaijan.

"When Turkey was struck by an earthquake, India was the first country to land a relief flight there. India had sent doctors, medicines, and other aid. And now, Turkey has supplied weapons to Pakistan. Given this context, we feel this boycott is justified," said Chand.

He also noted that Turkey is a major player in the marble trade and that the Association is expected to make a decision soon regarding the continuation of business in that sector as well.

"This resolution will remain in force until further notice. Any revisions will be officially communicated through the Association's governing body. We request all relevant authorities, trade partners, logistics providers, and stakeholders to take note of this declaration and extend their cooperation," the statement said.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Proud of our Bengaluru traders for taking this bold step! 🇮🇳 Business should never come before national interests. Turkey's weapons supply to Pakistan is unacceptable when we helped them during their earthquake crisis. Hope other trade associations follow suit.
P
Priya M.
While I understand the sentiment, I hope this decision was made after considering the impact on small traders and workers in our own textile industry. Boycotts can sometimes hurt our own people more than the intended target. Maybe a phased approach would be better?
A
Arjun S.
This is the perfect time to promote Make in India textiles! We have superior cotton and skilled weavers. Instead of importing Turkish towels, let's support our own handloom sector. Khadi for the win! ✊
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Sunita R.
As a small boutique owner in Bengaluru, I fully support this move. Turkish fabrics were becoming too dominant in the market anyway. Time to explore more local and sustainable options. The quality of Indian textiles is world-class if given proper support.
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Vikram J.
Turkey needs to understand that you can't bite the hand that feeds you. India was first to help during their disaster, and this is how they repay? Good decision by BWCMA. Hope the government takes note of such strong business sentiments.
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Neha P.
While the patriotic angle is good, I worry about the long-term impact on trade relations. Economic decisions should be based on data, not just emotions. Maybe the association could have first tried diplomatic channels to express concerns before taking such drastic action?

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Tags:
Bengaluru Textile Trade Turkey Azerbaijan Boycott Prakash Chand Pirgal Cloth Merchants Association Trade Sanctions India Geopolitics