Amazon India
Amazon India has firmly denied allegations of selling Pakistani flags or related merchandise on its platform following a notice issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
The notice, part of a broader government crackdown, was also sent to other e-commerce platforms including Flipkart, Ubuy India, Etsy, The Flag Company, and The Flag Corporation. The issue has sparked political outrage and drawn significant public attention amid heightened national sensitivities.
In a statement issued after receiving the CCPA notice, Amazon India clarified that the controversial products were not available on its marketplace. “Amazon.in operates as an online marketplace where independent third-party sellers offer and sell their products,” the company stated. “We require sellers to offer products that comply with applicable Indian laws and Amazon policies. We remove non-compliant product listings upon notification from relevant regulatory authorities.”
The matter came to the forefront when India’s Minister for Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, publicly criticized the sale of items bearing Pakistani national symbols — such as flags, mugs, and T-shirts — calling it “insensitive” and “a violation of national sentiment.” He ordered the immediate removal of such listings from all online platforms. “Such insensitivity will not be tolerated,” Joshi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “E-commerce platforms are hereby directed to immediately remove all such content and adhere to national laws.”
The controversy was initially triggered by a complaint from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a powerful traders’ lobby. CAIT National President BC Bhartia accused e-commerce platforms of undermining India’s sovereignty and unity by allowing the sale of Pakistani-themed merchandise.
In a formal letter, Bhartia labeled the listings a “blatant disregard for India’s sovereignty” and a potential threat to internal harmony and national security.
Bhartia also linked the controversy to the timing of Operation Sindoor — India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack — saying the continued sale of such merchandise amid national mourning was deeply inappropriate.
The CCPA’s intervention has prompted all listed platforms to review their listings for any violations of national laws and to ensure stricter compliance in the future.
