What Items Does India Import from Turkey

India and Turkey maintain a dynamic trade relationship, with India importing a diverse array of goods from Turkey. In the financial year 2024–25 (April–February), India imported goods worth $2.84 billion from Turkey, reflecting Turkey’s role as a significant, though not dominant, trade partner for India. The following article details the major categories of items India imports from Turkey, with explanations for each.

List of Major Categories of Items India Imports from Turkey

Mineral Fuels and Oils

Turkey is a notable supplier of mineral fuels and oils to India. In 2024, imports in this category were valued at approximately $634.82 million. The bulk of this trade consists of crude oil ($612.46 million), along with products like oils from coal tar distillation, petroleum oils, coal briquettes, and mineral waxes. These imports support India’s vast energy and industrial sectors, ensuring a steady supply of essential raw materials.

Natural and Precious Pearls

India imports a substantial amount of pearls, precious stones, and metals from Turkey. In 2023, this trade was valued at $183.76 million, with gold (in unwrought or semi-manufactured forms) making up the largest share ($172.96 million). Other items include articles of jewelry, waste and scrap of precious metals, imitation jewelry, and synthetic or reconstructed precious and semi-precious stones. These imports cater to India’s jewelry industry, which is one of the world’s largest.

Nuclear Reactors and Parts

A significant and strategic component of India’s imports from Turkey is nuclear reactor parts. In FY24, India imported nuclear reactor parts worth $311 million, underlining the depth of bilateral engagement in advanced engineering and technology sectors. These imports are crucial for India’s nuclear energy infrastructure and ongoing technological projects.

Aircraft and Spacecraft Parts

India also sources parts for balloons, gliders, helicopters, aeroplanes, and spacecraft from Turkey. In 2020, imports in this category were valued at $4.53 million. These components are vital for India’s growing aviation and aerospace industries, supporting both civil and defense applications.

Salt, Sulphur, and Plastering Materials

Turkey is a key supplier of salt, sulphur, earth, stone, plaster, lime, and cement to India. In 2024, the value of these imports was $207.97 million. This includes marble, travertine, other calcareous stones ($142.3 million), natural borates and boric acid ($39.01 million), and various mineral substances and clays. These materials are essential for India’s construction, chemical, and industrial sectors.

Inorganic Chemicals

India imports various inorganic chemicals from Turkey, which are used in manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial processes. While the bulk of India’s inorganic chemical imports come from other countries, Turkey remains a notable supplier, especially for specialized chemicals.

Iron and Steel

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including iron and steel, are among the key imports from Turkey. These materials are fundamental for India’s infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing industries, providing the raw materials necessary for growth and development.

Cement

Cement and construction-grade materials from Turkey are widely used in India’s booming construction sector. Turkish cement is valued for its quality and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred choice for builders and developers.

Marble and Natural Stones

Marble is one of the most prominent imports from Turkey. Turkish marble is highly prized for its texture, durability, and finish, making it a preferred material for luxury construction and interior design. India, particularly regions like Udaipur, relies heavily on Turkish marble, which accounts for approximately 70% of India’s imported marble (14–18 lakh tonnes annually, worth ₹2,500–3,000 crore). However, recent political tensions have led to calls for a boycott of Turkish marble by Indian industry associations.

Vegetables and Fruits (Especially Apples)

Turkey is a significant exporter of fresh apples and other fruits and vegetables to India. Turkish apples, in particular, have a strong presence in Indian markets, contributing to a seasonal turnover of ₹1,000–1,200 crore. However, imports have recently declined due to informal boycotts and shifting political dynamics. Besides apples, Turkey also supplies other vegetables and pulses.

Summary Table

Conclusion 

India’s imports from Turkey span a wide range of sectors, supporting domestic industry, construction, technology, and consumer markets. However, the trade relationship is periodically influenced by geopolitical developments, which can impact the flow and volume of certain imports, as seen recently with marble and apples.

Also Read: Turkish Clothing Brands in India