Nation First: Why India Must Rethink Supporting Brands Fueling Enemy Economies ?

Poonam Sharma

The War Behind the Wardrobe: Why India Must Rethink Its Fashion Choices

A silent resistance is gathering force—not in military bunkers, but in shopping carts. Across India and its diaspora in Europe, a new front in economic warfare is emerging. At the center: global fashion brands like ZARA, MANGO, and H&M.

These brands, while flourishing on Indian soil, continue to source large volumes of their merchandise from countries whose governments or military apparatus have adopted increasingly hostile stances toward India—namely Turkey and Bangladesh.

The Illusion of Fashion: What Lies Behind the Label

Walk into a premium fashion outlet and glance at the labels. “Made in Turkey.” “Made in Bangladesh.” These aren’t just sourcing choices—they are geopolitical statements.

Turkey: Ally in Arms with Pakistan

Turkey has gone beyond diplomatic support for Pakistan. It has become an active military partner—supplying an estimated 300–400 drones to Islamabad. These drones have been linked to surveillance and potential proxy conflicts along India’s borders. Joint naval drills and defense collaborations further cement this partnership.

Turkey’s military engagement with Pakistan is not symbolic—it’s strategic and directly impacts Indian national security. Yet, Indian money continues to flow into Turkish factories through fashion brands selling on Indian shelves.

Bangladesh: From Friend to Friction

Once seen as a cultural and strategic ally, Bangladesh’s recent geopolitical posturing raises alarm. Reports suggest that factions within its strategic ecosystem have floated the notion of targeting India’s Northeast under a hypothetical conflict scenario.

Even if this remains rhetoric, the very emergence of such sentiments from a neighboring state must trigger introspection—particularly when India serves as a thriving market for Bangladesh-manufactured apparel.

---

Economic Complicity: The Unseen Supply Chain

Estimates suggest that 37–42% of ZARA India’s inventory is sourced from Turkey and Bangladesh. This isn’t incidental. It’s systematic.

These imports are not just about textiles. They translate into economic strength for nations that, in one way or another, support or sympathize with actors hostile to India.

Protests Without Borders: Indian-Origin Resistance in Europe

From London’s high streets to Berlin’s university campuses, the Indian diaspora is mobilizing. Protests, digital campaigns, and boycott movements are gaining traction, urging fashion retailers to cut ties with Turkey and Bangladesh.

This isn’t xenophobia. It’s strategic nationalism.

The message from the global Indian community is unambiguous:

“If you trade with our enemies, you cannot trade with us.”

National Interest vs Brand Loyalty The question facing the Indian consumer today is profound:

Can allegiance to a brand outweigh allegiance to the nation? As India recalibrates its economic and strategic policies, citizen action must complement statecraft. Economic choices made by individuals—billions of rupees spent collectively—can either fund friends or strengthen adversaries. A Message to ZARA and Co.

The Indian market is not blind. The Indian consumer is not voiceless. Brands that continue to profit in India while sourcing from nations aligned against it will increasingly face scrutiny, resistance, and ultimately, rejection.

The demand is simple:
Stop sourcing from Turkey and Bangladesh—or prepare to be boycotted.

Boycott is Not Hate—It is Strategy

Modern conflicts extend beyond battlefields. They are fought with currency, commerce, and consciousness. The rupee, when spent with awareness, becomes a weapon of national defense.

Every purchase is a vote. Every product is a policy. Every label is a loyalty test.

Conclusion: Nation First, Always

Fashion can no longer be apolitical. In an age of economic interdependence, where factories feed foreign policies, consumer awareness is the new resistance.

Let not our wardrobes become pipelines for funding propaganda, terror, or strategic hostility.
Let us choose wisely—not just what we wear, but whom we empower.