As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, a significant backlash against Turkey and Azerbaijan is unfolding, fueled by their public support for Pakistan. Following India’s military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, many Indians are now calling for a boycott of travel to these nations.
The situation intensified after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In response, India conducted Operation Sindoor, striking nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir associated with terrorism. This decisive action drew immediate condemnation from Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which expressed solidarity with Pakistan.
Azerbaijan's foreign ministry issued a statement on April 23, 2025, expressing concern over the escalation of tensions and condemning India’s military actions. They stated, “The Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its concern over the further escalation of tension between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We condemn military attacks against Pakistan that killed and injured civilians. We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and express condolences to the families of the victims.” Turkey quickly followed suit, with statements from its ambassador to Pakistan reinforcing this support.
The backlash against Turkey has been particularly pronounced on social media, where calls to boycott Turkish Airlines have gained traction. Users are urging fellow Indians to reconsider travel plans that could inadvertently support nations perceived as adversaries. A viral message circulating online implores “every proud Indian” to refrain from travel that funds these nations. This sentiment is echoed in numerous posts, with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan trending widely.
Travel companies in India are reacting swiftly to the growing anti-Turkey sentiment. Nishant Pittie, founder and chairman of EaseMyTrip, advised limiting travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, stating, “In view of the terror attack in Pahalgam and war-like situations between India and Pakistan, it is disheartening to note that Turkey and Azerbaijan have extended their support to Pakistan. EaseMyTrip strongly advises limiting travel to these countries unless absolutely essential.”
Pickyourtrail.com has also suspended all travel planning to Turkey and Azerbaijan, with co-founder Hari Ganapathy stating, “This is not a comment on the people, but a stance against policies that conflict with India’s national interest.”
In a similar vein, Goa Villas, a vacation rental company, announced on May 8, 2025, that it would no longer provide accommodation services to Turkish citizens, citing Turkey's non-cooperative stance in the ongoing conflict. They emphasized, “Due to Turkey’s non-cooperative stance in the current global scenario involving India and Pakistan, we’ve decided not to offer any accommodation services to Turkish citizens in Goa. We stand firmly with our nation.”
Go Homestays echoed this sentiment, officially ending its partnership with Turkish Airlines due to their unsupportive stance towards India. They stated, “We are officially ending our partnership with Turkish Airlines due to their unsupportive stance towards India. Going forward, we will no longer include their flights in our international travel packages.”
Even established travel companies like Cox & Kings are reevaluating their offerings, with Karan Agarwal, the director, suggesting that Indian travelers should avoid non-essential trips to these destinations until the geopolitical situation stabilizes. “Given recent developments, we’re pausing all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey,” Agarwal said.
Social media users have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the cultural exchanges between India and Turkey, criticizing events celebrating Turkish culture in major cities. Many feel that such celebrations are misplaced given the current political climate. The sentiment is clear: many Indian citizens are rallying behind the call for a boycott, prioritizing national interests over leisure travel.
Despite the backlash, some voices in the travel industry suggest that this may be a temporary phase. EK Gupta of Soul Voyage remarked, “Tourists will go where they want. It’s their choice. Our job is not to police their travel decisions.” Meanwhile, travelers currently visiting Turkey report feeling safe and welcomed, with one individual stating, “We’ve been safe and people have been helpful.”
As the situation develops, the impact on tourism is becoming evident. Turkey had welcomed approximately 270,000 Indian tourists in 2024 and was expecting a significant increase to 350,000 in 2025. However, this forecast is now under threat as many travelers reconsider their plans.
In light of the current geopolitical climate, travel advisories are being issued, urging individuals to exercise caution. Travelers are advised to stay updated on official travel advisories before planning trips to sensitive regions. The evolving dynamics between India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are prompting a reevaluation of travel choices, with many citizens choosing to align their travel decisions with their national sentiments.
As the call for a boycott continues to gain momentum, it raises questions about the future of cultural diplomacy and tourism between India and these nations. Will the growing anti-Turkey sentiment lead to lasting changes in travel patterns? Or will travelers ultimately prioritize their destinations over political affiliations? Only time will tell, but for now, the call to boycott is resonating strongly across the nation.
