The call for a Turkey boycott by Indian citizens has intensified, creating ripples across diplomatic and economic spheres. Fueled by geopolitical tensions, this movement has prompted a re-evaluation of travel and business relations between India and Turkey. The boycott underscores a growing discontent among Indian citizens regarding Turkey’s perceived alignment with adversarial interests, leading to tangible impacts on tourism and trade. A once-popular destination is now facing a sharp decline in Indian visitors, and businesses are reconsidering investments in the region.

This article explores the multifaceted reasons driving the Turkey boycott, examining the geopolitical undercurrents and their reverberations on travel patterns and economic ties. From government responses to social media campaigns, we delve into the anatomy of this boycott and its potential long-term consequences.

Recent reports indicate a significant shift in travel preferences, with Indian tourists cancelling bookings and seeking alternative destinations. But what sparked this sudden change of heart?

Turkey’s Support for Pakistan

A primary catalyst for the Turkey boycott is Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan, particularly during periods of heightened tension between India and Pakistan. Ankara’s perceived alignment with Pakistan’s stance on various geopolitical issues has angered many Indians. The perception of Turkey as a partisan actor in the region has fueled calls for economic and social disengagement.

Social Media’s Role in Amplifying the Boycott

Social media platforms have played a crucial role in amplifying the calls for a Turkey boycott. The movement gained momentum as users shared their grievances and urged others to boycott Turkish products and services. Senior political leaders and influencers echoed these sentiments, further legitimizing the boycott in the public eye. Reports alleging the use of Turkish drones by Pakistan against India added further fuel to the fire, intensifying the online campaign.

Ban on Turkish Firm Celebi

In response to rising concerns, India took concrete steps to address perceived threats to national security. One significant measure was the ban imposed on Turkish firm Celebi, preventing it from operating at Indian airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation revoked Celebi’s security clearance following numerous requests from across the country, citing national security concerns.

India’s minister of state for aviation stated, “Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognisance of these requests. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of the said company.”

Suspension of Academic Ties

The repercussions of the Turkey boycott extended beyond the economic realm, reaching into the sphere of academic collaborations. Several prominent Indian universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia, announced the suspension of academic ties with Turkish institutions. This decision reflected a broader sentiment of disengagement and a reluctance to maintain close relationships with Turkish entities.

Decline in Bookings and Surge in Cancellations

The impact of the Turkey boycott on travel and tourism has been palpable. Indian travel sites have reported a significant decline in bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan, coupled with a surge in cancellations. The numbers speak for themselves, painting a clear picture of shifting travel preferences among Indian tourists.

A MakeMyTrip spokesperson noted, “Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250%.”

Hesitation Among Travelers

Beyond the statistics, travel agencies are witnessing a palpable hesitation among clients regarding visits to Turkey. The fear of potential backlash or social retribution is deterring many potential travelers, particularly younger individuals who are more active on social media.

Rohit Khattar, a travel agency owner in Delhi, explained, “Many young travellers may avoid it, fearing backlash on social media or social retribution.”

Rise in Popularity of Turkey and Azerbaijan

Ironically, Turkey and Azerbaijan had witnessed a surge in popularity among Indian tourists in recent years. In 2024, 330,100 Indians visited Turkey, a notable increase from 274,000 in 2023. Azerbaijan also experienced a similar influx, with nearly 244,000 Indian arrivals last year. The affordability, proximity, and perceived European-like experiences of these countries had made them attractive destinations for Indian travelers.

Potential Shift to Other Destinations

As the Turkey boycott gains momentum, some social media users are actively promoting alternative destinations, such as Greece. However, it remains to be seen whether these alternative destinations will experience a significant surge in popularity. Cleartrip, a travel booking platform, stated that they haven’t seen significant highs or lows in demand for these alternate destinations.

The Turkey boycott represents a confluence of geopolitical tensions and shifting consumer preferences. The diplomatic fallout and economic consequences are evident in declining bookings and severed ties. While the long-term ramifications remain uncertain, this situation highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and the travel industry. It’s worth noting, however, that despite rising numbers, Indians comprised less than 1% of Turkey’s foreign visitors in 2024 – a relatively small proportion with limited impact on overall tourism revenue.

For those considering travel options, it may be prudent to stay informed about geopolitical developments and their potential impact on your destination choices. Exploring alternative destinations that align with your values and preferences could also be a worthwhile endeavor.