India's Largest Fruit Market Azadpur Mandi Ends Apple Trade With Turkey; Here's What Traders Said

Kriplani emphasised that the decision followed a careful review of the situation. He noted that Turkish apples had been a longstanding preference at the mandi

The move signals a significant shift in Azadpur Mandi’s procurement strategy, as it prepares to explore alternative sources for apple imports in the coming months

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Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, Asia’s largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables, has announced it will cease all new imports of apples from Turkey, citing the current diplomatic strain between the two countries. “We have decided to discontinue all new imports of apples from Turkey. While consignments ordered earlier will still arrive, no further trade in apples or other produce will take place going forward,” Meetha Ram Kriplani, Chairman of the Azadpur Fruit Mandi told news agency PTI.

Kriplani emphasised that the decision followed a careful review of the situation. He noted that Turkish apples had been a longstanding preference at the mandi, with imports reaching 1.16 lakh tonnes in 2024. However, he expressed disappointment over recent developments in Turkey’s stance toward India.

Alternative Options

“We have supported Turkish trade for years, but the current circumstances have left us with no choice,” he said.

The move signals a significant shift in Azadpur Mandi’s procurement strategy, as it prepares to explore alternative sources for apple imports in the coming months.

Meanwhile, traders across Delhi are voicing their support for the move and calling for a broader boycott of Turkish goods. “Turkey's recent political stance towards India is unacceptable and has hurt national sentiments,” said the Delhi traders association, according to a PTI report.

Additionally, Adani Airport Holdings has terminated its ground handling concession agreements with Turkish firm Celebi Aviation at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), effective immediately.

The decision comes in the wake of the Indian government revoking Celebi’s security clearance, citing national security concerns.

In an official statement, Adani Airports said, “We have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA).”