New Delhi/Varanasi – In the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Indians across the country are boycotting travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, countries that expressed support for Pakistan during the escalating conflict. The boycott, fueled by national sentiment, has led to over 15,000 travel cancellations—mostly from Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal region—with airlines and travel portals like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip offering full refunds.
“We saw unprecedented national unity during Operation Sindoor, but Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan has deeply hurt Indian sentiments,” said Dr. Ajay Singh, Chairperson of the Varanasi Tourism Organisation.
Tourism Industry Feels the Impact
Two-thirds of all outbound bookings from India to Turkey and Azerbaijan have been cancelled, and MakeMyTrip reports a 60% drop in future bookings, with a 250% surge in cancellations.
Leading figures in India’s travel industry are backing the public’s sentiment. EaseMyTrip founder Nishant Pitti took to social media, stating:
“Every rupee we spend abroad is a vote. Let’s spend it where our values are respected. Jai Hind.”
He noted that in 2024, 2.87 lakh Indians visited Turkey and 2.43 lakh visited Azerbaijan, emphasizing how Indian tourists contribute significantly to these countries’ economies—tourism accounts for about 10% of their GDP.
Ground Response in India
In Varanasi, hotels and local tourism businesses have joined the boycott. Sandeep Patiyal, VP of a major private hotel, said:
“We are not accepting bookings from Turkish and Azerbaijani tourists. Our city won’t be affected as we attract global visitors, especially for Buddhist heritage.”
Wajid Khan, a resident of Varanasi who cancelled a trip to Baku, voiced his reason:
“My country comes first. I couldn’t go to a place that supports Pakistan after what happened in Pahalgam.”
Fuel to the Fire: Turkish Drones Used by Pakistan
Adding to the outrage, preliminary analysis of downed drones used in Pakistan’s May 8 infiltration attempt indicates they may be ‘Asisguard Songar’ drones—a Turkish origin system.
Over 300–400 drones were launched across India’s northern front, from Leh to Sir Creek, attempting to test air defense and gather intelligence.
Official Response and Operation Sindoor
On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror hideouts deep inside Pakistan and PoJK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a national address on May 12, called it the continuation of India’s no-tolerance policy against terrorism—following the 2016 surgical strike and 2019 air strike.
Diplomatic Missteps by Turkey and Azerbaijan
- Azerbaijan openly echoed Pakistan’s position on India’s counter-terror operations.
- Turkey not only supported Pakistan’s call for an international investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack but has historically supplied military weapons to Islamabad.
The Road Ahead
The boycott is becoming a symbolic national movement, illustrating how foreign policy stances can directly affect economic and cultural ties. With public sentiment strongly aligned behind the armed forces and the Modi government, it remains to be seen if Ankara and Baku will reconsider their positions amid rising diplomatic costs.