Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, May 14
Amid rising concerns over Turkey supplying military drones to Pakistan, Congress national spokesperson and MLA, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, has called on the central government to impose a complete ban on the import of apples from Turkey. He termed Turkey’s open support to an enemy nation as “deeply unfortunate” and urged the Modi government to reconsider all trade agreements with Turkey. Rathore strongly criticized Turkey’s stance, stating, “Feeding milk to a snake only brings harm. There is no point in damaging our own economy while benefitting a country that backs our enemies.”
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Rathore reminded that India was among the first to help Turkey during the 2023 earthquake under ‘Operation Dost’, sending NDRF teams and humanitarian aid. Despite that goodwill, he said, Turkey openly supported Pakistan when tensions escalated between India and Pakistan.
Rathore revealed that India imports approximately 129,882 metric tons of apples from Turkey every year, valued at ₹822 crore. Additionally, apples also enter India illegally via Afghanistan. Overall, bilateral trade between India and Turkey amounts to around $12 billion annually.
He also pointed out that around 3.3 lakh Indian tourists visit Turkey each year, adding that such economic engagement should be reevaluated in light of Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance. Lastly, Rathore urged the central government to immediately suspend apple imports and reassess all trade ties with Turkey, asserting that national interest must come first.
