India Hits Back: Boycott Wave Targets Turkey and Azerbaijan After Support for Pakistan
New Delhi, India - India's relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan are facing significant strain after the two nations openly supported Pakistan following recent conflicts with India. This diplomatic tension has spilled over into the economic realm, with Indian businesses and citizens initiating widespread boycotts, cancellations, and trade suspensions. Industries like tourism, marble, and hospitality are now caught in this geopolitical crossfire, facing a potential economic cost running into thousands of crores.
This move is described as more than just a diplomatic rift; it's economic retaliation in an Indian style. A wave of boycotts is sweeping across the country. The message being sent is clear: no business with those who back terror sponsors.
The situation escalated after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22nd, which claimed 26 Indian civilian lives. 14 days later, India responded with Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting nine terror camps inside Pakistan and PoK. While much of the world called for calm, Turkey and Azerbaijan chose to condemn India's actions. Turkey labeled the strikes provocative, and Azerbaijan alleged civilian deaths while backing Pakistan. India "did not take kindly to this" stance.
In response, travel companies across India "sprang into action". Ease My Trip, Ixigo, Travel Mint, Wanderon, and Pick Your Trail all suspended bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Ease My Trip stated plainly that traveler safety and national interest come first. Ixigo echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tone, saying "blood and bookings won't flow together". Tour operators like Cox and Kings and Casari Tours also backed the move, despite the industry facing potentially huge financial losses.
Popular travel destinations such as Istanbul and Baku are suddenly off the radar. In 2024 alone, 3.3 lakh Indians visited Turkey, and over 2.4 lakh chose Azerbaijan. However, after May 7th, bookings have plunged, with reported 22% to 30% cancellations already. This national outrage is actively reshaping travel plans.
The backlash isn't limited to just travelers. Go Homeays ended its tie-up with Turkish Airlines. Goeye Villas announced it would not provide accommodation to Turkish nationals anymore. Even law firms like Lex Jurus canceled corporate travel to Azerbaijan in protest. Across India, national sentiment is being echoed loudly and clearly in business decisions.
India's marble trade has also turned hostile. The Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, a major industry body, has decided to end all imports from Turkey. This decision is significant because Turkey supplies 70% of India's imported marble. The committee stated this move is a show of solidarity with India's fight against terror and aims to boost Indian marble producers.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has formally called for a national boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods. With a national trade meet scheduled for May 16th in New Delhi, more concrete trade actions are anticipated soon.
India-Turkey trade stood at $10.43 billion in 2023, while India-Azerbaijan trade was $1.43 billion. Tourism is a major revenue source for both Turkey and Azerbaijan, and Indian tourists represent a key piece of that puzzle. If this boycott is sustained, the financial blow to Turkey and Azerbaijan could be substantial.
This economic action serves not just as a financial impact but also as a geopolitical signal. As India redefines its rules of engagement with Pakistan, nations standing against its security interests "may soon find themselves paying a steep price". The 4,000 crore rupees spent by Indian tourists in Turkey and Azerbaijan in 2024 could now face a steep drop.
