Amidst recent India-Pakistan tensions, Turkey openly supported Pakistan, even supplying military equipment like drones. This action has deeply offended Indian citizens, leading to a widespread Turkey boycott across the nation. Indians are not only refusing to travel to Turkey but are also committed to severing trade relations. The public message is clear: no welcome for nations supporting enemies.
New Delhi: Recent events saw heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, escalating to drone attacks. Shockingly, reports emerged that Turkey supplied these drones to Pakistan, a country that has received significant aid from India in the past.
This Turkish action is viewed by Indian citizens as a betrayal of friendship. Public anger is evident, with a nationwide boycott of Turkish travel and trade underway. The controversy has transitioned from a diplomatic issue to a popular movement.
Travel Ban Delivers Major Blow to Turkey's Economy
Indian tourists significantly contribute to Turkey's economy, but the situation has changed dramatically. In the past six days, approximately 50-60% of bookings for travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan from India have been canceled.
A spokesperson for MMT stated that the Indian public has completely boycotted Turkey. They added, "We stand firmly with our nation and its armed forces and support the cancellation of Turkey-Azerbaijan travel bookings." Consequently, all travel offers related to Turkey and Azerbaijan have been suspended on their platform.
JNU Takes Firm Stance – Terminates Ties with Turkey
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), expressing its unequivocal disapproval of Turkey's actions, has terminated all existing agreements with Inonu University.
JNU posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account:
“Nation First — We stand with our country always.”
CAIT Strengthens Boycott Campaign; Takes a Hard Line Against Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a leading Indian trade organization, has called for a boycott of China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. CAIT alleges that these nations openly supported Pakistan, prompting b opposition from traders.
CAIT has pledged to expand this boycott campaign extensively in collaboration with travel and tour operator organizations. They will also engage with other relevant organizations and groups to intensify the movement.
CAIT's national secretary general and Chandni Chowk MP, Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, stated that in 2024, Turkey received 62.2 million foreign tourists, with approximately 300,000 being Indian. This figure highlights the potential impact of the Indian boycott on Turkey's tourism industry.
Significant Blow to Turkey's Trade – India Halts Imports
During the fiscal year 2023-24, India imported a total of 2,482 items from Turkey, valued at approximately $3.78 billion USD. This included salt and plastering materials ($235 million), inorganic chemicals ($188 million), mineral fuels and oils ($1.8 billion), nuclear reactor parts ($311 million), natural and cultured pearls ($132 million), and animal products ($149 million).
However, Indian traders have now stopped importing several products from Turkey, including apples. Traders argue that Turkey's drone supply to Pakistan constitutes cooperation against India. This trade and travel boycott is likely to have a significant impact on Turkey's economy.
