KEY POINTS
- Turkey’s Foreign Ministry criticized India’s Operation Sindoor
- 13 types of boycotts recorded against Turkish products, services, and tourism
- Over 50% of Indian bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan were cancelled
After the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s strong response through Operation Sindoor, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply increased. In the middle of this situation, Turkey publicly supported Pakistan, which angered many people in India. On May 7, 2025, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement criticizing India’s actions, saying the Indian operation could lead to a bigger war and calling it “provocative” and harmful to civilians.
This statement sparked strong reactions across India. From May 8 to May 14, many Indians—both citizens and businesses—started boycotting Turkish products and services. A report found 13 different types of boycotts taking place across the country during this period.
Udaipur Marble Traders Cut Ties with Turkey in Bold Import Ban
Marble traders in Udaipur, Rajasthan which is Asia’s biggest hub for marble exports have decided to stop all trade with Turkey. This decision comes after Turkey showed support for Pakistan during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan.
Kapil Surana, President of the Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, said, “Udaipur is the largest marble exporter in Asia. All members of our committee agreed together to stop doing business with Turkey because of its support for Pakistan.” Turkey supplies around 70% of the marble that India imports. This boycott is a big move by Udaipur’s marble industry to show their protest.
Sahibabad Fruit Market Traders Ban Turkish Apples in Protest
Fruit sellers in the Sahibabad fruit market in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh have decided to stop buying apples and other products from Turkey. This decision came after Turkey supported Pakistan during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan.
The traders said they will not do business with any country that stands against India.
Himachal Apple Growers Call for Ban on Turkish Apples Amid Diplomatic Row
Amid growing tension between India and Pakistan, apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have asked the government to stop importing apples from Turkey. They say Turkey is supporting Pakistan during the recent border clashes. The apple growers believe that buying apples from Turkey is unfair when Indian farmers are producing the same fruit. They have urged the government to protect local apple growers by banning Turkish apple imports.
Pune Apple Traders Join Nationwide Boycott, Stop Selling Turkish Apples
Traders in Pune, Maharashtra have decided to stop buying and selling apples from Turkey. This move comes after Turkey supported Pakistan during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Suyog Zende, a trader at Pune’s APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee), said, “We will no longer purchase Turkish apples. Instead, we will sell apples from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Iran, and other places. This is our way of showing love for our country and standing with the nation.” As a result, Turkish apples have now disappeared from markets in Pune.
Indians Cancel Trips to Turkey, Azerbaijan Amid Calls to ‘Prove Patriotism’
Thousands of Indian tourists have cancelled their travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan after both countries showed support for Pakistan. This comes in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
Many Indians were upset after learning that Turkey supported Pakistan during the conflict. Reports also say that Turkish-made Songar drones were used by the Pakistan Army to attack Indian military bases and even civilian areas.
As a result, over 50% of bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have been cancelled in just six days. Travel companies have confirmed that people are changing their plans as a way to show patriotism and stand with the country.
Turkey saw a big jump in the number of Indian tourists last year. Around 3.3 lakh Indians visited the country, which is 20.7% more than in 2023. To compare, back in 2014, only 1.19 lakh Indians went to Turkey. This shows how popular Turkey has become among Indian travellers over the years.mThese Indian tourists also spent a large amount of money — over ₹3,000 crore — while visiting Turkey last year.
CTI Calls for Nationwide Boycott of Chinese and Turkish Goods in National Interest
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has asked more than 700 business groups in Delhi to stop doing any kind of trade with China and Turkey. This call was made on May 12, 2025.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said, “We appeal to everyone to stop buying and selling products and services from China and Turkey. These countries have supported Pakistan on terrorism-related issues. So, we believe it’s in the nation’s interest to stop all business and tourism links with them.”
This appeal is part of the growing response in India after tensions rose with Pakistan. Many traders and industries across the country are supporting this move as a way to show patriotism and solidarity with the nation.
Ixigo Suspends All Bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China Amid Rising Tensions
On May 10, 2025, the online travel company Ixigo stopped all flight and hotel bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. This decision came because many people were upset with these countries for supporting Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Ixigo’s official account said, “To support our country, Ixigo is stopping all bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. When it comes to India, we don’t think twice. Jai Hind.”
Travel Sites Hit Pause: Bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan Suspended Amid Tensions
EaseMyTrip, a well-known Indian travel company, has stopped all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This decision came because these countries supported Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor. Nishant Pitti, the founder and chairman of EaseMyTrip, asked customers to avoid traveling to these places unless it is very important.
Vishal Mishra Vows: Never Setting Foot in Turkey or Azerbaijan!
Singer and composer Vishal Mishra has said he will never visit Turkey or Azerbaijan because of reports that Turkish drones were used against India. Vishal Mishra tweeted, “I will never go to Turkey and Azerbaijan! No holidays, no concerts! Remember my words! Never!!”
India’s Travel Ban Hits Turkey & Azerbaijan Over Pakistan Ties
A travel agency in Delhi has stopped all new travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail, said, “We are pausing all new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan for now.” He explained that this decision is because of recent events and is not about the people but a stand against policies that go against India’s national interest. As an Indian travel company, their first responsibility is to Indian travelers.
WanderOn Halts New Bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan Amid Rising Tensions
WanderOn, a travel-tech company, has stopped accepting new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This decision was made because of worries about these countries supporting Pakistan. Many travelers who already booked trips to these places are now asking for refunds or want to change their plans to other destinations.
Govind Gaur, CEO and founder of WanderOn, said, “We have stopped all new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. People who already booked trips there are saying they don’t want to travel anymore and are asking for their money back or want to reschedule to other places.”
Cox & Kings Halts New Travel Bookings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan & Turkey Amid National Sentiment
Travel agency Cox & Kings has temporarily stopped all new travel bookings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. This decision comes because of the current political situation and to respect the feelings of their customers and the nation.
Karan Agarwal, the company’s director, said, “Because of recent events, we have decided to pause new travel offers to these countries. We want to support what is important to our country and our people.”
Go Homestays Cuts Ties with Turkish Airlines Amid Rising Tensions
Indian travel company Go Homestays has stopped working with Turkish Airlines. They said Turkey is not supporting India. On their social media, Go Homestays said, “We are ending our partnership with Turkish Airlines because they do not support India. From now on, we will not include their flights in our travel packages. Jai Hind.”
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