Turkiye cannot route exports to India under EU's FTA provisions: Official

Turkiye cannot export goods to New Delhi by taking advantage of provisions of the European Union's free trade agreement (FTA) with India, an official said on Wednesday. India's relations with Turkiye came under strain due to Ankara backing Islamabad and condemning India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan in May under Operation Sindoor.    
The India and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday announced conclusion of negotiations for the FTA. It is expected to be signed and implemented this year itself. India's exports to Turkiye dipped 14.1 per cent to USD 5.71 billion in 2024-25 as against USD 6.65 billion in 2023-24. Imports dipped 20.8 per cent to about USD 3 billion in 2024-25.
It accounts for only about 1.3 per cent of India's total exports of USD 437 billion in 2023-24.India's exports to Turkiye include mineral fuels and oil; electrical machinery and equipment; auto and parts; organic chemicals; pharma roducts; tanning and dyeing items; plastic, rubber; cotton; man-made fibres and filaments, iron and steel. Imports include different types of marbles (blocks and slabs); fresh apples, gold, vegetables, lime and cement; mineral oil; chemicals; natural or cultured pearls; iron and steel.