UDAIPUR, May 13 — In a show of solidarity with the central government following Operation Sindoor, marble traders from Udaipur, a major hub of the marble industry, have demanded an immediate ban on marble and other imports from Turkey.
The call comes after Indian forces revealed that Turkish-made drones were used by Pakistan in the recent military conflict.
The Udaipur Marble Processors Association, which represents around 125 traders, has unanimously suspended all imports from Turkey and written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to officially impose a ban.
“We have decided to stop all imports from Turkey with immediate effect. Business cannot come before national interest,” said Kapil Surana, president of the association. He added, “We fully support the historic decisions the Prime Minister has taken. If the government imposes sanctions, we will stand firmly behind it.”
The move follows confirmation from Indian Armed Forces that wreckage of drones used by Pakistan in cross-border strikes was linked to Asisguard Songar drones, manufactured in Turkey. The finding has triggered calls across multiple sectors to reassess trade ties with Ankara.
General Secretary Hitesh Patel said Turkey accounts for 70% of India’s marble imports, which total between 14 to 18 lakh tonnes annually, with a trade value of around ₹2,500–3,000 crore.
“Why stop only at marble? We are urging the government to consider bans on other Turkish imports as well. The message must be loud and clear: Indian businesses stand with the nation,” Patel told ANI.
The Udaipur traders have also appealed to industry bodies across India to adopt similar measures, saying a unified boycott would amplify India’s diplomatic posture.
“If all associations across India join us in this stand, it will send a strong message globally that Indian businesses are united behind the government in this time of national importance,” Surana noted.
The traders’ move comes amid broader economic and strategic recalibrations following Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike against Pakistan-based terror hubs earlier this month.
