GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th May: In a strong diplomatic and economic signal, the Indian government on Thursday revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Ground Handling India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. The move comes in the wake of Turkey’s vocal support to Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted military strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
An official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that Celebi’s clearance “is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security”. The firm currently operates critical services at nine major airports across India, including handling cargo and ground support operations.
Drone Link, Turkish Military Support Under Scanner
Intelligence inputs suggest that Turkey played a more direct role in recent escalations. Turkish-made drones, including the Asisguard SONGAR and Bayraktar TB2 combat UAVs, were reportedly used in drone attacks on Indian military sites on the night of May 8, following Operation Sindoor. Additionally, a Turkish warship docked in Karachi and a Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft landed in the city, raising further concerns over military collusion with Pakistan.
India has intensified its strategic outreach to Turkey’s rivals, including Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in recent years.
Celebi’s Role and Security Sensitivities
Celebi has two entities in India:
- Celebi Airport Services India, which manages ramp, flight operations, and passenger bridge services.
- Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, which oversees sensitive cargo and warehouse operations.
These services are considered critical to national aviation security, especially amid heightened regional tensions.
Rising Boycott Turkey Movement
Turkey is facing a growing backlash in India, with calls for trade and tourism boycotts gaining momentum. The “Boycott Turkey” campaign is trending across social media, with Indian tourists cancelling trips and companies suspending imports of Turkish goods.
Several Indian institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, have terminated academic ties with Turkish universities. Leading travel portals have stopped listing Turkey itineraries, dealing a blow to the country’s tourism sector, which accounts for 12% of its GDP.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is expected to announce a complete boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani products. A decision may be formalised at a meeting scheduled in New Delhi on Friday.
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