India's $311 million nuclear imports from Turkey spark strategic review | cliQ Latest

India imported nuclear reactor components worth $311 million from Turkey in the financial year 2023–24, making it one of the top imports from the country, reveals a special trade report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). The revelation has come at a time when India is reviewing its diplomatic and economic ties with Turkey, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions. The Centre has begun re-evaluating all past and ongoing partnerships with Ankara, including technology-sharing and commercial trade across key sectors.

Strategic imports and nuclear energy expansion

According to the IBEF report, India’s total import basket from Turkey in FY24 amounted to $3.78 billion, which included sensitive infrastructure materials like aircraft components ($163.16 million), mineral fuels and oils ($1.8 billion), along with precious stones and inorganic chemicals. But it is the import of nuclear reactor parts—civilian or military grade—that has attracted the most scrutiny. The government’s focus remains on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the reactor parts are likely meant for India’s expanding nuclear power infrastructure.

As per the 2025-26 Union Budget, India plans to raise its nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031–32. This includes the construction of ten new reactors totaling 8,000 MW across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. These developments underscore the urgency of securing nuclear components through global trade. Key Indian airports—Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), and Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru)—play critical roles in transport and security for such strategic imports.

Trade relations under review amid diplomatic tensions

The bilateral trade between India and Turkey touched $10.4 billion in FY24, with India exporting goods worth $6.66 billion, mainly engineering items, petroleum products, and chemicals. The trade balance also includes Turkish investments worth $210.47 million in India, surpassing India’s $126 million investment in Turkey. Turkish firms like Koç Holding, Arcelik, and Çelebi Holding operate in sectors ranging from consumer durables to aviation services in India.

However, the recent decision by India’s aviation regulator BCAS to revoke the permit of Çelebi Ground Handling India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns, marks a turning point. The move followed Turkey’s public support for Pakistan and its condemnation of India’s cross-border anti-terror operations. Çelebi was operating at major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, before its clearance was cancelled due to security lapses and geopolitical risks. The government’s assertive stance signals a broader policy shift in filtering foreign collaborations based on national interest and strategic alignment.

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