New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): BJP MP and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Praveen Khandelwal, on Wednesday, reiterated India's unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and unity, stating that any attack on these principles will be met with a befitting reply.

Speaking to ANI, Khandelwal emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clear stance on national security while also calling for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan for their support of Pakistan amid the tensions between the two nations.

'India has always supported world peace and played a leading role in maintaining it. But if someone raises questions or attacks on India's unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty, then India will not remain silent. PM Modi has said this clearly many times. Now the world knows: if the sovereignty of the nation is attacked, then India will give a befitting reply,' he stated.

Khandelwal also addressed the economic repercussions of Turkey and Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan, urging Indian traders to boycott these countries.

'Turkey and Azerbaijan have supported Pakistan. Both countries have forgotten about the contribution of Indians to their economies. As these two countries are supporting Pakistan, we have appealed to the traders in India to teach them a lesson. We urge that travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan should be boycotted,' he said.

His remarks came following India's 'Operation Sindoor', launched on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The boycott movement was called after Turkish-made drones were found to be used by Pakistan to target Indian military bases and civilian infrastructure following Operation Sindoor.

Earlier, in Pune, traders at the APMC market had to boycott Turkish apples following Turkey's open support for Pakistan amid recent tensions between India and its neighbour.

Traders there have taken decisive action by boycotting Turkish apples, which have led to their disappearance from local markets. Citizens have also joined the movement, opting for apples from other sources instead of Turkish imports. (ANI)