Photo Credit: https://www.ap7am.com
🟢 Introduction
In the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor—a decisive military action targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—Turkey and Azerbaijan publicly expressed support for Pakistan. This stance has ignited a significant backlash among Indian citizens, leading to widespread cancellations of trips and suspension of travel services to these nations by major Indian travel companies. The situation raises questions about the broader implications of such geopolitical alignments. The Siasat Daily
🌐 Context: Why It’s Happening
On May 13, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities. Following the operation, both Turkey and Azerbaijan issued statements condemning India’s actions and expressing solidarity with Pakistan. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described India’s airstrikes as “provocative,” while Azerbaijan’s government expressed concern over civilian casualties and urged diplomatic resolution.
📊 Real-World Impact
Tourism Statistics
- Turkey: In 2024, Turkey welcomed approximately 270,000 Indian tourists and was projecting 350,000 visitors in 2025, marking a 20.7% year-on-year increase. Hindustan Times
- Azerbaijan: The country hosted 243,000 Indian travelers in 2024, representing a 108% increase from 2023.
Economic Consequences
The suspension of travel services is expected to cause a significant drop—over 50%—in bookings from India to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Many travelers have already canceled their plans and are considering alternative destinations such as Bali and Malaysia. Indian Defence News
💬 Public Sentiment
Social media platforms are witnessing a surge in hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan, indicating strong public sentiment against traveling to these countries . Travel influencers and bloggers are advising their followers to choose alternative destinations, reflecting a collective stance against nations perceived as unsupportive of India’s actions. The Times of India
🧠 Expert Opinions
- Nishant Pitti (Founder & Chairman, EaseMyTrip): He has advised travelers to avoid Turkey and Azerbaijan unless absolutely essential, citing security and diplomatic concerns. His company has also urged travelers to be aware of the situation. The Times of India
- Aloke Bajpai (CEO, Ixigo): Emphasized a principled stance, stating that tourism and violent conflict cannot coexist, reflecting in Ixigo’s decision to pause operations in regions currently associated with geopolitical instability. @EconomicTimes
- Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT): This apex body of traders has called for a complete boycott of travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan by Indian traders and citizens, emphasizing the potential economic impact on the tourism sectors of these countries .
🧳 Alternatives for Indian Travelers
Photo Credit: https://www.flamingotravels.co.in/
Given the current geopolitical climate, Indian travelers are considering alternative destinations that offer rich cultural experiences and are perceived as more aligned with India’s diplomatic stance. Countries like Greece, Armenia, Bali, and Malaysia are emerging as popular choices, potentially benefiting from the shift in travel preferences.
vitt’s take..
(vitt – Where India Reads is a space for making Business and finance stories digestible and relevant to India’s digital generation.)
It’s not just about flights or vacations anymore — it’s about where our money goes and what it silently supports. The Indian public has made its stand clear: we won’t fund those who stand against us. This isn’t hate, it’s principle. Tourism is a two-way bridge — and when that trust breaks, the journey ends. What Turkey and Azerbaijan chose to do may seem like mere diplomacy to them, but for Indians, it hit home. For now, we’ll choose sunsets elsewhere.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time geopolitics has impacted tourism. In 2019, diplomatic tensions between India and Malaysia also led to a noticeable drop in Indian tourist traffic. Travel isn’t just leisure anymore — it’s a soft power tool that reflects public sentiment and national interest.
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