New Delhi – In a strong backlash against Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindhoor, several Indian travel agencies and tourism operators have suspended bookings and packages to the two countries. The move comes after Ankara and Baku issued statements condemning India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Azerbaijan, Turkey Back Pakistan, Draw Indian Ire
On Wednesday, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry expressed “solidarity with Pakistan” and condemned India’s anti-terror operation, calling it an “escalation.” Turkey, a long-time ally of Islamabad, also voiced support for Pakistan, further straining ties with New Delhi.
The statements triggered outrage among Indian citizens, with social media flooded with calls to boycott tourism to Azerbaijan and Turkey.
- “Azerbaijan and Turkey should now see India’s power. We should ban these locations from our holidays,” tweeted financial influencer Anant Ladha.
- “No more Baku visits! Azerbaijan saw a surge in Indian tourists in 2024—time to show them our strength,” said Alok Jain, a travel enthusiast.
- “Why should patriotic Indians spend money in Azerbaijan and Turkey? Visit Armenia and Greece instead,” posted ‘The Skin Doctor’ on X.
Travel Industry Reacts – Suspensions & Boycotts
Several Indian travel firms have taken action:
- Goa Villas, a rental aggregator, announced it would deny accommodation to Turkish citizens, citing Turkey’s “non-cooperative stance” on India-Pakistan issues.
- Major tour operators are halting new bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan, with some offering refunds or alternative destinations like Armenia and Greece.
- Flight searches to Baku and Istanbul have dropped significantly since the diplomatic fallout.
Economic Impact on Turkey & Azerbaijan
The boycott could deal a major blow to both nations, which have seen a surge in Indian tourists in recent years:
- Azerbaijan saw a 59% increase in Indian visitors in 2023, with over 100,000 tourists.
- Turkey, a favorite for weddings and vacations, welcomed over 3 lakh Indian tourists last year.
If the boycott intensifies, both countries could lose millions in tourism revenue, forcing them to reassess their diplomatic stance.
Government & Industry Response
While the Indian government has not issued any official travel advisory, the voluntary industry pullback reflects public sentiment. The Ministry of External Affairs has previously warned nations against interfering in India’s internal matters, particularly on Kashmir and counter-terrorism operations.
What’s Next?
- If tensions persist, Azerbaijan and Turkey may face long-term tourism losses.
- Indian travelers are shifting preferences to Armenia, Greece, and Central Asia as alternatives.
- Diplomatic channels may see backdoor negotiations to ease the situation.
For now, the message from Indian travelers is clear: Nations supporting Pakistan’s terror infrastructure will face economic consequences.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Indian travel firms suspend Turkey & Azerbaijan bookings after their pro-Pakistan statements.
✅ Social media outrage leads to calls for boycott, with Armenia & Greece as alternatives.
✅ Azerbaijan & Turkey face major tourism losses—both saw record Indian tourists in 2023-24.
✅ Goa Villas bans Turkish guests, others halt tour packages.
This development highlights how geopolitical tensions are increasingly influencing travel trends, with economic repercussions for nations taking sides against India.
(Sources: MEA statements, tourism reports, social media trends)
