In a dramatic turn of events, India has witnessed a rising tide of nationalism and economic retaliation as citizens and businesses call for a complete boycott of Turkey. The hashtag #BoycottTurkey has been trending across social media platforms after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan following India's military operation—Operation Sindoor—targeting terror infrastructure across the border.
From Friends to Foes: What Triggered the Backlash?
The recent uproar is rooted in a perceived betrayal. In 2023, when a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, India responded swiftly with ‘Operation Dost’, dispatching National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, medical units, and tons of humanitarian aid. Turkish citizens were visibly emotional during the Indian Army’s departure, expressing immense gratitude for the support.
Fast forward to 2025, Turkey's vocal support for Pakistan—especially at international forums—has sparked anger among Indian citizens. The sentiment is clear: "We helped when you were in need, but you chose to stand against us." This stark contrast in diplomatic behavior has catalyzed a wave of public anger, which is now hitting Turkey where it hurts—tourism and trade.
Tourism Takes a Hit: Cancellations Surge
India is one of Turkey’s fastest-growing tourism markets. However, in the past 10 days, there has been a sharp spike in cancellations:
MakeMyTrip, one of India’s top travel portals, reported a 60% drop in bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan and a 250% increase in cancellations.
The platform has removed all Turkey-related promotions and offers.
EaseMyTrip, another major travel agency, saw a 22% increase in Turkey trip cancellations.
Ixigo suspended bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China altogether.
These changes aren’t merely symbolic—they represent a major blow to Turkey’s $50 billion tourism industry, which relies heavily on international travelers, including Indians.
Udaipur Halts ₹3,000 Cr Turkish Marble Imports
The backlash isn't limited to tourism. The marble industry in Udaipur, Rajasthan, a major importer of Turkish marble, has announced it will halt ₹3,000 crore worth of imports. Traders are now looking to source marble from alternative countries like Vietnam and Egypt, emphasizing the need to be “vocal for local” and cut reliance on nations not aligned with India’s interests.
Nationalist Voices Amplify the Call
Prominent voices from Indian industry and media have joined the movement:
Business magnate Harsh Goenka tweeted that Indian tourists contributed over ₹4,000 crore to Turkey and Azerbaijan last year and urged fellow citizens to rethink travel plans to these countries.
Social media has exploded with memes, videos, and appeals urging travelers to choose Indian destinations or allies like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam instead.
The call to boycott has extended to Turkish products as well—ranging from electronics to decorative items and imported food.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Turkey’s repeated support of Pakistan in international platforms, including the United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has strained its relations with India in recent years. Despite India’s outreach through humanitarian aid and increased bilateral trade, Turkey's alignment with Pakistan on Kashmir and other sensitive issues has consistently been a sore point.
India, meanwhile, is leveraging its soft power and economic influence to send a strong message. The tourism boycott and trade adjustments are not just reactions from the people—they reflect a growing sentiment that India will no longer tolerate disrespect on the world stage, especially from countries that benefit from Indian goodwill.
The Road Ahead
While diplomatic channels are yet to comment formally on the travel bans or economic actions, the writing is on the wall: public sentiment in India is shifting rapidly. As geopolitical tensions rise, Indian citizens are increasingly willing to make economic sacrifices to stand in solidarity with national interests.
Tourism experts believe that unless Turkey takes clear steps to mend relations and address India’s concerns, the boycott could extend well beyond this year, affecting long-term tourist footfalls and bilateral trade.
The #BoycottTurkey movement is not just about canceling vacations—it’s a broader statement about national dignity, global alliances, and reciprocal respect in diplomacy. With millions of Indians taking a stand, Turkey now finds itself at a diplomatic crossroads. Whether it chooses to rebuild trust with India or continue its current path will determine not just its political ties, but also its economic gains from one of the world’s largest consumer markets.