Udaipur's marble industry, one of Asia's largest, has suspended imports from Turkey amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The move came after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan during the recent conflict. Local marble traders have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting strong action against Turkey.
Imports worth rs 3,000 crore affectedIndia imports 14–16 lakh tonnes of marble annually, with 70% coming from Turkey. Udaipur alone hosts around 125 marble processing units, of which 40–50 directly import Turkish marble. With the boycott now in effect, marble imports worth an estimated Rs 3,000 crore have been impacted.
Udaipur traders appeal to PM ModiThe Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, led by its president Kapil Surana, has appealed to the central government to officially end trade with Turkey and other nations that sided with Pakistan. “We are one of the biggest markets for Turkish marble. We have urged the PM to take firm action,” said Surana. The committee is also in touch with marble associations across India for a broader boycott.
#WATCH | Udaipur, Rajasthan: Udaipur marble traders end business with Turkiye for siding with Pakistan amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2025
Kapil Surana, President of Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, says, "Udaipur is Asia's biggest exporter of marbles. All… pic.twitter.com/s9pqwuLjrG
According to Surana, the decision to stop trade with Turkey sends a strong signal that the Indian government has the full backing of industries. “If we stop trade with Turkey, the demand for Indian marble will grow,” he said. Traders believe this will also help promote Indian products and reduce dependence on politically sensitive imports.
Other regions may join the boycottUdaipur’s call for boycott may soon be joined by other key marble hubs such as Kishangarh, Rajsamand, and Chittorgarh. These regions are also significant players in India’s marble market and have been importing cost-effective marble with a wide range of colors from Turkey.
Public sentiment reflects shift in trade and tourismThe boycott by Udaipur traders follows a broader sentiment shift in India against Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both nations had condemned India's Operation Sindoor strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian tourism platforms like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have also advised against travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan citing security and diplomatic tensions.
Social media backs the moveReactions on social media largely supported the marble traders' decision. One user wrote, “India has a population of 150 crores, which is four times that of Turkey and Pakistan combined. A united India needs no allies.”
India has a population of 150 crores, which is 4 times the population of Turkey & Pakistan combined. A united India needs no allies! https://t.co/JBCql6HlEl
— Gypsy Soul (@Nakulive) May 14, 2025
Another added, “If we are boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan, China should definitely be on the list too.”
Agree with you if we are boycotting Azerbaijan and Turkey then definitely China too should be on top for boycott
— Share Market™ Waale (@ShareMarket008) May 14, 2025
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