In May 2025, India finds itself at a geopolitical crossroads, with public outrage fueling calls for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Sparked by their overt support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor—a decisive Indian military operation targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—this movement is more than a social media trend. It’s a powerful signal of shifting India Turkey relations, threatening $2.84 billion in imports and reshaping trade, tourism, and diplomacy. As Indian travelers shun Turkish beaches and businesses rethink supply chains, this blog dives into the why, how, and what’s next of this escalating crisis, urging readers to understand the stakes and take informed action.

Background: The Catalyst Behind the Boycott

The recent surge in anti-Turkey and Azerbaijan sentiment in India stems from their unequivocal backing of Pakistan amid escalating India-Pakistan hostilities. After India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned India’s actions as "provocative," warning of a potential all-out war. Turkey’s continued support for Pakistan, including the alleged supply of Turkish drones used in attacks against India, has deeply offended Indian public opinion and policymakers alike.

This stance is perceived as a betrayal, especially given India’s humanitarian support to Turkey during the 2023 earthquake through Operation Dost. The emotional narrative of “India helped Turkey in its darkest hour, Turkey helped Pakistan in ours” has galvanized public anger and fueled calls for a boycott.

The Boycott Movement: Scope and Momentum

The boycott movement has rapidly evolved from online campaigns to concrete actions across multiple sectors:

• Trade Bodies and Business Leaders: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), representing millions of traders, has called for a nationwide boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Over 24 Indian states’ business leaders have resolved to halt imports, exports, and any commercial dealings with these countries.

• Travel Industry: Major travel platforms such as MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and ClearMyTrip have issued advisories against non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Bookings have plummeted by 60%, with cancellations rising by 250%. The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) have ceased promoting travel packages to these destinations.

• Academic and Cultural Institutions: Universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia have suspended academic collaborations with Turkish institutions. The Indian film industry has pledged to stop shooting films in Turkey, further isolating Turkey culturally.

• Government Actions: India revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handling company Celebi at major airports, citing national security concerns after widespread public demand.

This multi-pronged boycott reflects a consumer-led diplomatic push that transcends traditional government channels, signaling a new phase in India Turkey relations.

Economic Impact: Trade and Imports Under Threat

India’s trade with Turkey, while modest in the context of India’s overall trade, is significant enough to cause economic ripples due to the boycott:

• Trade Volume: India’s imports from Turkey dropped from $3.78 billion in 2023–24 to $2.84 billion in April–February 2024–25, while exports to Turkey fell from $6.65 billion to $5.2 billion in the same period, maintaining a trade surplus for India.

• Key Imports Hit:
  • Turkish Apples: Indian traders, especially in Pune where Turkish apples contribute ₹1,000-1,200 crore seasonally, are rejecting Turkish apples and sourcing alternatives from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Iran.

• • Turkish Marble: Turkey supplies about 70% of India’s imported marble, worth ₹2,500-3,000 crore annually. The Udaipur Marble Processors Association has urged the government to halt imports citing national security concerns, emphasizing that "business cannot be bigger than the nation".

• • Exports to Turkey: India exports mineral fuels, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and iron and steel products to Turkey. However, concerns have arisen that some Indian exports, especially engineering goods, might be used in Turkish drones supplied to Pakistan, adding a security dimension to the trade.

The boycott threatens to disrupt these trade flows further, impacting businesses on both sides and signaling a shift in Turkey and India relations.

Tourism and Travel Fallout

Tourism has been one of the sectors most visibly affected by the disruption of India Turkey relations​:

• In 2024, over 3 lakh Indian tourists visited Turkey and Azerbaijan, contributing nearly ₹3,000 crore ($291.6 million) to their economies.
• Since the boycott calls intensified, travel bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped by 60%, with cancellations surging by 250%.
• Indian travelers are increasingly choosing alternative destinations such as Greece, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Serbia.
• Travel companies have halted promotions and new bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan, reflecting the seriousness of the boycott’s impact on the tourism sector.

This sharp decline in Indian tourists threatens a significant loss of revenue for Turkey’s $61.1 billion tourism industry.

Broader Social and Cultural Backlash

The boycott is not limited to trade and travel; it has permeated social and cultural spheres:

• Indian traders have vocally protested against Turkish goods, with calls to ban imports nationwide.

• Film shoots in Turkey have been canceled or relocated, and academic ties severed, signaling a cultural distancing.

• Public figures, celebrities, and military veterans have actively supported the boycott, amplifying its reach and impact.

This cultural boycott complements the economic and diplomatic pressures, reflecting a comprehensive pushback against Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Strategic and Diplomatic Dimensions

India’s response to Turkey’s support for Pakistan is not just reactive but strategically calculated:

• India is strengthening ties with Turkey’s regional rivals such as Greece, Armenia, and Cyprus. Defense cooperation with Armenia has deepened, including arms sales and joint military exercises, counterbalancing Turkey’s influence in the South Caucasus.

• India has canceled defense deals with Turkish firms over national security concerns and is expanding strategic partnerships with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are at odds with Turkey’s regional ambitions.

• India is increasing its naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and participating in trilateral forums with France and the UAE, signaling readiness to counter Turkey’s assertiveness.

These moves demonstrate India’s long-term pragmatic approach to managing its complex relationship with Turkey while safeguarding its national interests.

Analysis: Consumer-Led Diplomacy and National Sentiment

The boycott movement illustrates a new form of diplomacy where consumer behavior and public sentiment directly influence foreign relations. Indian citizens, traders, and industries are leveraging economic tools to send a strong message to Turkey and Azerbaijan. While the absolute trade volumes are relatively small compared to India’s total trade basket, the symbolic and strategic significance is profound.

This consumer-led boycott also underscores how national security concerns, regional geopolitics, and public opinion are increasingly intertwined in shaping India’s foreign policy. It reflects India’s assertiveness in defending its sovereignty and interests amid complex regional dynamics.

Conclusion

The ongoing boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan by Indian traders, travelers, and cultural institutions marks a significant turning point in turkey and India relations. Imports worth $2.84 billion are under threat, tourism has sharply declined, and diplomatic ties have cooled considerably. This multi-sectoral boycott is a powerful expression of India’s displeasure over Turkey’s support for Pakistan and signals a broader realignment in regional geopolitics.

As India continues to strengthen ties with Turkey’s regional rivals and Gulf partners, the future of India Turkey relations hangs in the balance. Whether diplomatic channels can de-escalate tensions remains to be seen, but for now, the boycott movement embodies India’s resolve to protect its national interests through economic and cultural means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is India boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan?
A1: India is boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan due to their strong support for Pakistan amid recent India-Pakistan conflicts, which India views as a threat to its sovereignty.

Q2: How much trade between India and Turkey is affected by the boycott?
A2: Imports from Turkey to India have dropped to $2.84 billion, with key sectors like apples and marble facing significant disruptions.

Q3: What impact has the boycott had on tourism?
A3: Travel bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan from India have slumped by 60%, with cancellations rising sharply, affecting Turkey’s tourism revenue.

Q4: Are there any diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between India and Turkey?
A4: While tensions remain high, India is strengthening ties with Turkey’s regional rivals and Gulf partners, using strategic diplomacy alongside economic measures.

Q5: Can Indian travelers still visit Turkey and Azerbaijan?
A5: Travel advisories recommend avoiding non-essential travel to these countries, and many travel agencies have paused bookings amid the boycott.