In a major show of economic nationalism, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced its decision to end all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The move comes in solidarity with India's armed forces and in protest against the perceived anti-India stance of the two countries.
Backing the traders' decision, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani made a passionate appeal in support of the armed forces and revealed her personal contribution to the National Defence Fund.
"All trade organisations have called for a boycott. This is in support of those brave sons of India, in support of those brave women who keep the country's borders safe," Irani said while addressing a traders' gathering in Delhi.
As a strategic advisor to the All India Traders Federation, Irani urged businesses to stand with the nation in times of external threats. "I made a request to the traders today. As a citizen, as a strategic advisor of the All India Traders Federation, today the entire Federation has pledged that we will contribute from our side to the National Defence Fund of India," she said.
Making a personal revelation, Irani added: "From last year till now, I have neither taken my pension nor have I taken any facility as a former MP. This is the money from the treasury of India, which I am dedicating today to the National Defence Fund."
CAIT’s boycott decision aligns with the growing call for economic responses to geopolitical adversaries. The organisation represents over 8 crore traders and has historically supported national campaigns.
