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'Operation Sindoor' has emerged as a pivotal event, influencing not only the relationship between India and Pakistan but also shaping India’s interactions with Turkey and Azerbaijan. A significant movement advocating for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan has gained traction in India, garnering support from notable business leaders and political figures. This response follows Turkey's alignment with Pakistan amid international condemnation of the grievous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, alongside reports of Turkish Songar drones being utilized by the Pakistani military to strike Indian military installations and civilian facilities.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, an MP from Shiv Sena UBT, shared a video on social media urging citizens to refrain from engaging with Turkey and Azerbaijan, highlighting their support for Pakistan following the Kashmiri terrorist assault. She encouraged individuals to opt for different holiday destinations that have shown solidarity with India in its efforts against terrorism instead of traveling to these two nations, which benefit significantly from tourism revenue. Consequently, a broad campaign to boycott Turkish goods has emerged, with many people advising their fellow citizens to stay away from Ankara. A number of merchants have indicated that they will no longer purchase Turkish apples.
“We have resolved to stop acquiring apples from Turkey due to its support for Pakistan, opting instead to source apples from Himachal Pradesh and other regions. While India combats terrorism, Turkey is providing drones to Pakistan. Retail consumers are expressing their desire to avoid Turkish apples,” remarked Suyog Zende, an apple trader in Pune's APMC market.
Some Indian citizens are also abstaining from traveling to Turkey, urging airlines to terminate any partnerships with the country. “India needs to reconsider its relationship with Turkey. Any agreement on route-sharing between Indian airlines and Turkish carriers should be dissolved,” stated former UP police chief Prakash Singh. Furthermore, Goa Villas has taken steps to prevent Turkish tourists from accessing accommodation in Goa, reflecting Ankara’s position during the India-Pakistan hostilities. For some, Greece has emerged as a more favorable travel option instead of Turkey. Traders dealing in marble in Udaipur have also chosen to cease business with Turkey in light of its stance alongside Pakistan during this critical period.
“Udaipur is the largest marble exporter in Asia. The committee unanimously agreed to suspend trade with Turkey because of its support for Pakistan... 70% of the marble imported to India originates from Turkey... If all marble associations halt trade with Turkey, it would send a powerful message that the Indian government is supported by both its industries and its citizens. A trade boycott of Turkey would increase demand for Indian marble,” commented Kapil Surana, President of the Udaipur Marble Processors Committee.
Additionally, it is not just Turkey that has sided with Pakistan; Azerbaijan has also voiced its backing and criticized India's Operation Sindoor strikes, which targeted terrorist camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Azerbaijan expressed its solidarity with Pakistan throughout the conflict.
Consequently, there has been a noticeable decline in travel to Azerbaijan among individuals. "Last year, Indians contributed over Rs 4,000 crore to Turkey and Azerbaijan through tourism, which helped create jobs, stimulate their economies, and support hotels, weddings, and flights. In light of today's alliance with Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident, I urge everyone to explore the many beautiful destinations in India and around the world, and to avoid these two countries," remarked businessperson Harsh Goenka. Another user on X also pointed out, "Both Azerbaijan and Turkey benefit significantly from Indian tourists. Their strong support for Pakistan and their explicit anti-India position justify a boycott of these destinations by Indian travelers."
In recent years, Turkey and Azerbaijan have risen to prominence as favored international travel spots for Indian visitors, appreciated for their rich culture, stunning Islamic and Ottoman architecture, welcoming inhabitants, and straightforward visa processes. In 2024, around 5 crore Indian tourists traveled to these nations thanks to convenient visa arrangements and direct flight options. Following Turkey's devastating earthquake in 2023, India launched 'Operation Dost' to provide assistance to Ankara.
In response to the Pahalgam attack and India’s anti-terrorism operations, Indian businesses have reevaluated their relationships with these countries amid national sentiments. EaseMyTrip, a well-known Indian online travel agency, issued an advisory recommending against travel to both Turkey and Azerbaijan.
