Mandi: India Should Cancel All Trade Agreements with Turkey – Jairam Thakur

Mandi, May 16:
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur has called for the cancellation of all trade agreements between India and Turkey. Speaking to reporters in Mandi after participating in a Tiranga Yatra, Thakur expressed strong disapproval of Turkey’s recent actions in international affairs.

Referring to the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, Thakur said that both Turkey and China extended full support to Pakistan, including supplying drones and providing technical assistance. He recalled how India had offered significant humanitarian aid to Turkey during its devastating earthquake, but said Turkey’s current stance was deeply disappointing and unacceptable.

“Given Turkey’s recent conduct, every Indian today feels that all ties with the country should be severed,” Thakur asserted. He added that there is growing sentiment in Himachal Pradesh to impose an immediate ban on imported Turkish apples, which would reflect the public’s anger and send a clear message.

Thakur also shared his personal view that Indians should reconsider visiting Turkey for tourism, one of the country’s major sources of income. “Each year, lakhs of Indian tourists travel to Turkey. If they choose to visit Indian destinations instead—be it Himachal or elsewhere—it would both send a message and benefit our local economy through increased employment,” he said.

Earlier, the BJP organized a Tiranga Yatra, which began from Paddal Ground and concluded at Seri Manch in Mandi. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of all communities and backgrounds, who raised slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Indian Army Zindabad,” and “Pakistan Murdabad.” Students from various educational institutions also joined the rally, saluting the courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.