Following calls to boycott Turkish apples in Pune due to Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan, a fruit trader has claimed to have received threats from Pakistan. Suyog Zende, a trader at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), also known as Marketyard, stated that he received a threatening voice message after he and other traders decided to stop importing apples from Turkey. This decision was made in response to Turkey's criticism of India's actions against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Zende reported receiving calls early in the morning on May 15, 2025, which he initially didn't answer. He later received a voice note containing anti-India slurs and a warning against harming Pakistan or Turkey. Zende responded to the threats with his own voice note. The traders are planning to meet with the Pune Police Commissioner to discuss the matter and seek protection.
As a form of protest, traders at Marketyard discarded Turkish apples on the road. According to Zende, Pune traders import apples, litchi, plum, cherry, and dry fruits from Turkey, with apple imports alone amounting to ₹1,200 crore.
The boycott of Turkish apples in Pune reflects a broader sentiment of economic nationalism and opposition to countries perceived as supporting India's adversaries. Traders in Uttar Pradesh have also adopted similar measures, vowing to boycott Turkish goods in protest against Turkey's support for Pakistan. They asserted that they would boycott products from any country supporting Pakistan against India. Some traders have accused Turkey of providing drones to Pakistan that were used to attack India.
The boycott is expected to significantly impact the fruit market in Pune, as Turkish apples contribute substantially to the seasonal turnover. However, traders emphasize that their decision is not solely financial but also a symbolic gesture of support for the Indian armed forces and the government. Some customers have echoed similar sentiments, stating that they do not want to support the economy of a country that threatens India's peace. The boycott has also led to a shift in demand towards apples from other countries with neutral or supportive diplomatic ties with India, such as the USA, Chile, and New Zealand.
