Udaipur, May 14, 2025 – After Pune apple traders announced a ban on apples from Turkey, now Udaipur marble traders have called on the Central government to ban import of marble from the country.

This protest against Turkey is a fallout of the Indo-Pak conflict and stems from reports that Turkey provided support to Pakistan in its conflict with India during the recent Operation Sindoor. And that Turkish drones were deployed by Pakistan in the cross-border attack.

The Udaipur Marble Processors Association says it has already stopped imports of marble from Turkey and has urged the Centre to impose formal sanctions on the import of marble in particular and impose broader restrictions on Turkish products.

“We fully support the historic decisions he has taken in the last few days,” said association president Kapil Surana, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We feel that business and industry cannot be bigger than the nation and national interest,” said Hitesh Patel, general secretary of the association, adding that a strong message of national solidarity needs to go out.

Import of marble from Turkey accounts to almost 70% of India’s annual marble imports of around 14-18 lakh tonnes, as per the Udaipur marble association.

“If other associations across India too decide to stop imports from Turkey, it will send a clear message to the world that Indian businesses are fully backing the government in this critical time,” added Patel.

Meanwhile, the Pune apple traders have decided not to purchase apples from Turkey anymore and will instead source them from Himachal Pradesh and other regions. As per reports, Turkish apples in Pune are available for a certain period each year and generate business worth Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 crore.

Source: Media Reports