India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Over the years, it has developed strong trade relations with many countries, including Turkey and Azerbaijan. These partnerships are important because they help India import essential resources and export valuable goods such as textiles, medicines, and engineering products. However, international politics often influence trade relationships. When a country supports Pakistan, which has a long-standing conflict with India—especially over the Kashmir issue—it creates tension. Recently, Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan on global platforms, particularly concerning Kashmir. This has raised serious concerns in India, and it may affect the future of trade and diplomatic cooperation between India, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
India and Turkey have enjoyed diplomatic and trade relations for decades. In recent years, trade between the two nations has grown steadily and is now valued at over $10 billion. Turkey is a key trading partner for India in sectors such as infrastructure, engineering, chemicals, and automobile parts. India exports several goods to Turkey, including engineering products, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, cotton yarn, textiles, and jewelry. On the other hand, India imports items like machinery, steel, processed food, mineral fuels, and textiles from Turkey. Turkish companies have also been involved in construction and infrastructure projects in India, including metro and airport development.
Despite the growing trade volume, political tensions have created roadblocks. Turkey has taken strong pro-Pakistan stands on issues like Jammu and Kashmir. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly spoken in support of Pakistan at international forums, even comparing the Kashmir issue to Palestine. This has upset India, which considers Kashmir an internal matter. India expects foreign countries to stay neutral and avoid interfering in its domestic affairs. As a result, India’s relationship with Turkey has suffered a setback, and this has spilled over into the trade and business environment as well.
In response to Turkey’s political stance, India has taken some cautious steps. Indian authorities have started reviewing contracts involving Turkish companies, particularly in the infrastructure sector. Several government departments have also been advised to avoid awarding major projects to Turkish firms. Although there is no official trade ban, the Indian government is quietly reducing engagement with Turkey in key areas. Indian consumers and businesses have also shown resistance to Turkish products and content, including popular Turkish television shows. The “Boycott Turkey” campaign on social media gained momentum, encouraging people to buy Indian goods instead of Turkish imports.
On the other side, Azerbaijan is a relatively new but strategically important partner for India. Located in the South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is rich in oil and gas resources, which are essential for India’s growing energy needs. India imports crude oil and petroleum products from Azerbaijan and exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, electronic goods, and food products. The trade value between India and Azerbaijan may not be as high as with Turkey, but it is growing steadily and holds potential for future expansion.
India and Azerbaijan have also signed several agreements related to energy cooperation, transportation, and culture. Azerbaijan is part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to improve trade connectivity between India, Russia, and Europe through Iran. India views this corridor as a key to expanding its global trade footprint. Azerbaijan’s geographic location makes it an important partner for India’s connectivity plans.
However, Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan on international issues, including Kashmir, has raised doubts in India. Azerbaijan has issued statements and taken diplomatic actions in favor of Pakistan, especially in organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Moreover, during the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2020, Pakistan supported Azerbaijan, and this support was warmly welcomed by the Azerbaijani government. This has resulted in a growing friendship between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan—a triangle that concerns India strategically.
This alliance is based not only on political and religious similarities but also on shared regional interests. Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan has made Indian policymakers rethink their diplomatic approach. India is now carefully observing the evolving relations and considering ways to reduce its economic dependency on such countries. India may seek to explore new energy partnerships in Central Asia, West Asia, or strengthen existing ties with countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which are also major oil suppliers.
The ongoing political tension with Pakistan affects not just direct India-Pakistan relations, but also India’s ties with nations that side with Pakistan. When countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan openly back Pakistan, it becomes harder for India to maintain friendly and trust-based economic relationships with them. Even if the trade numbers remain strong for a while, the long-term impact of political distrust could result in reduced collaboration, fewer joint projects, and loss of business opportunities.
Indian companies, especially in sectors like oil, energy, and infrastructure, are now being encouraged to look for safer alternatives. For example, India could expand energy imports from Russia, the Gulf region, and African countries. It can also increase domestic production under its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) program. At the same time, India is actively working on building stronger trade partnerships with countries that respect India’s sovereignty and political interests.
In terms of diplomatic strategy, India is increasing engagement with Armenia—Azerbaijan’s rival. In recent years, India has supplied defense equipment to Armenia and improved military cooperation. This is seen as a counterbalance to Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan. Similarly, India is strengthening relations with Greece and Cyprus, countries that have their own disputes with Turkey. These strategic moves are not just about defense but also about creating new business and investment opportunities in regions that align with Indian interests.
From a business perspective, Indian exporters need to be cautious while dealing with politically sensitive markets like Turkey and Azerbaijan. Businesses that rely on these markets should start diversifying and entering new territories. This reduces the risk of disruption caused by political changes. For instance, Indian pharmaceutical companies can focus more on Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, while energy companies can look for deals in the UAE, Oman, or even Australia.
India’s trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan are currently strong in terms of numbers but weak in terms of political trust. The ongoing conflict with Pakistan and the open support of Turkey and Azerbaijan for Pakistan are likely to create long-term tensions. Although India has not imposed any trade restrictions, it is gradually shifting focus toward more reliable partners. India’s foreign policy and trade strategy now aim to reduce dependence on countries that do not support India on global platforms. At the same time, Indian businesses and citizens are being encouraged to support local industries and build partnerships with countries that value India’s national interests. The coming years will likely see India adopting a more balanced, cautious, and strategic approach in dealing with countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan.
