Boycott Turkey-Azerbaijan: How Much Will They Pay for Backing Pakistan? Indians Say Enough!
INVC NEWS Mumbai – Since May 7, widespread anger has erupted across India against Turkey and Azerbaijan. Social media is flooded with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan, reflecting strong public sentiment. This boycott wave has even spread to Indian tourism companies, which are halting bookings to these countries in solidarity with the movement.
But what triggered this backlash? And how deep are the economic and tourism ties between India and these nations? Let’s break down the developments and consequences of this growing boycott.
Why Are India-Turkey-Azerbaijan Relations Strained?
Turkey and Azerbaijan’s stance on Operation Sindoor has been the flashpoint. Following India’s military action against terrorism, both countries expressed support for Pakistan:
Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned India’s actions as “unprovoked aggression,” accusing India of violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and risking a full-scale war. Turkey also called for both nations to step back and avoid unilateral moves. Notably, Indian officials later revealed many drones used by Pakistan originated from Turkey.
Azerbaijan similarly showed support for Pakistan, issuing condolences without verifying casualties and urging diplomatic conflict resolution. This position has drawn ire from Indian citizens.
Indian Tourism Industry Joins the Boycott Wave
Several key Indian travel companies have ceased bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan:
EasyMyTrip advised travelers to avoid Turkey and Azerbaijan unless absolutely necessary, citing rising tensions and security concerns.
Ixigo canceled all flights and hotel bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China, emphasizing respect for Indian sentiments.
Cox & Kings suspended new travel packages to these destinations, highlighting their commitment to Indian customers.
Go Homestay ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, removing it from international tour packages.
Other companies like Travel-Techno Wonderon and Travomint also halted bookings, citing strong demand for refunds and a shift in traveler preferences.
Impact on Turkey and Azerbaijan: The Tourism Toll
India has become a significant source of tourists and revenue for both countries:
Turkey: According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 330,000 Indian tourists visited in 2024 — nearly triple the number from 2014 (119,503). Indian travelers spent around $291.6 million (approx. Rs 2,490 crore), making India a key market. A boycott could cost Turkey billions in losses.
Azerbaijan: Tourism Board data shows Indian visitors soared from just 4,853 in 2014 to over 243,000 in 2024, making India the fourth-largest source of tourists after Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Cities like Baku and Gabala have become popular Indian destinations.
What’s Next?
As the #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan campaigns gain traction, both countries face a possible economic hit. With Indian travelers and companies pulling back, Turkey and Azerbaijan must weigh the cost of aligning with Pakistan against the value of their growing ties with India.
