Tensions between India and Turkey have escalated sharply following reports that Turkey supplied drones to Pakistan during the height of recent India-Pakistan hostilities. The move has not only raised diplomatic concerns but has also triggered a wave of public outrage in India, leading to significant consequences for the tourism industry.
Several Indian travel agencies and online platforms have now suspended bookings to Turkey, citing a sharp rise in demand for a boycott. The development reflects a growing sentiment among Indian travelers who are expressing anger over Turkey’s involvement in what many view as a direct interference in India’s regional security matters.
What Sparked the Backlash?
The backlash began after credible intelligence reports and media coverage suggested that Turkey had provided drone support to Pakistan amid heightened military activity linked to “Operation Sindoor” — an Indian operation targeting terror networks allegedly operating from Pakistani soil. Turkey’s decision to side with Pakistan, particularly through military assistance, was seen by many in India as a betrayal of diplomatic neutrality.
Social media played a pivotal role in amplifying the sentiment. Hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #StandWithIndia began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users urging others to cancel vacation plans to Turkish cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia.
Travel Industry Responds
Leading travel companies such as MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and other regional tour operators have reported a noticeable drop in Turkey-bound bookings. Some agencies have gone a step further, removing Turkey from their listed international destinations altogether. A spokesperson from a Delhi-based travel agency said, “We’ve received multiple calls from clients asking us to reroute their vacations. Many are opting for destinations in Europe or Southeast Asia instead.”
Nishant Pitti, CEO of EaseMyTrip, publicly announced earlier that his platform would voluntarily halt all bookings to Turkey in solidarity with the growing public sentiment. This is not the first time Indian tourism has been used as a medium to express geopolitical discontent, but the scale of reaction this time is significant.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
Turkey’s growing defense cooperation with Pakistan has been a matter of concern for India in recent years. With Turkey emerging as a key player in the drone manufacturing space, its exports to Pakistan during a time of conflict have further strained already delicate diplomatic relations.
India has previously taken note of Turkey’s stance on Kashmir, especially at international forums, where Ankara has often echoed Islamabad’s narrative. This latest episode is only likely to deepen the mistrust.
Voices from the Ground
Many Indian citizens have voiced their disapproval of Turkey’s actions, urging the government to reconsider bilateral trade and diplomatic engagements. “When a country helps those who openly act against our interests, the least we can do is not support their economy through tourism,” said Neha Mehta, a teacher from Mumbai who recently canceled her honeymoon trip to Turkey.
Final Word
While the full impact of this boycott is yet to be assessed, one thing is clear — public sentiment in India is strongly tied to national pride and security. The drone episode has touched a nerve, and until the air clears between New Delhi and Ankara, Turkey may see a sharp decline in Indian footfall, both as a tourist destination and as a preferred partner.
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