Indian Tourists Cancel Trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Pro-Pakistan Support
Indian travelers are increasingly dropping their travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan after both countries expressed support for Pakistan on sensitive geopolitical matters. The backlash grew stronger after reports claimed Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones to carry out attacks near Indian military bases and civilian areas.
This shift in sentiment has had an immediate impact. Leading Indian travel platforms like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and EaseMyTrip stopped bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. They responded to the growing demand from users who now refuse to visit countries perceived as siding with India’s rival.
What Triggered the Controversy?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reignited tensions when he openly supported Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue—a matter India firmly considers internal. His repeated remarks at global forums provoked sharp criticism in India.
The situation escalated after several media outlets reported that the Pakistan Army used Turkish Songar drones in operations targeting Indian defense sites. These drones can carry firearms and conduct small-scale attacks. Although Indian officials haven’t confirmed these claims publicly, the news sparked widespread outrage across the country.
Azerbaijan further complicated matters by strengthening military ties with Pakistan. Joint military drills and open diplomatic support signaled its alignment with Islamabad’s regional stance.
Indians Respond With Travel Boycotts
Many Indian tourists responded by cancelling trips to both nations. On social media, hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #SayNoToAzerbaijan started trending. Users urged others to avoid spending money in countries seen as unsupportive of India.
EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti quickly reacted. He announced that his company had stopped promoting tours to Turkey and Azerbaijan. In a social media post, he emphasized that national interest comes before profits. “We will not support tourism in countries that encourage hostility towards India,” he stated.
Other agencies followed his lead. They removed packages and deals for these destinations from their websites. Some even began suggesting alternative travel options to their clients.
Turkey and Azerbaijan Lose Their Appeal
Until recently, Indian travelers frequently visited Turkey for its historical landmarks and unique landscapes. Istanbul’s iconic architecture and Cappadocia’s scenic balloon rides made it a top honeymoon and vacation destination. Bollywood films further popularized Turkish spots, creating a strong emotional connection for many fans.
Azerbaijan had also become a favorite, especially for short luxury trips and destination weddings. Baku’s vibrant cityscape and simplified visa process made it especially appealing to Indian tourists.
Now, both countries are losing favor rapidly. Indian tourists—known for their growing presence in international travel—have started redirecting their holiday plans elsewhere.
Travel Industry Adjusts to Public Sentiment
Tour operators and booking platforms now face a new challenge. They must balance their commercial goals with rising national sentiment.
“We paused all bookings to these countries as soon as customers started expressing concerns,” said a travel consultant based in Mumbai. “Many travelers asked to change destinations. They don’t want their money going to places that don’t respect India.”
The shift highlights how much influence consumers now hold. Tour operators say they’re already noticing a decline in demand for trips to both Turkey and Azerbaijan.
No Official Advisory—Yet
The Indian government hasn’t issued any formal travel advisory against these countries. However, officials say they’re watching the situation closely. If diplomatic tensions rise further, the Ministry of External Affairs could release updated guidance.
Foreign policy experts believe that while tourism typically stays outside the scope of politics, it can quickly become affected during periods of conflict or diplomatic strain.
Indians Turn to Other Travel Destinations
With Turkey and Azerbaijan losing popularity, Indian travelers are now exploring other destinations. Countries like the UAE, Thailand, Indonesia, and Greece are seeing a spike in interest. Travel agencies are actively promoting these regions and offering new packages.
For Indian tourists, safety and values now play a bigger role in vacation planning. Many travelers are choosing places that align with their views or maintain neutral international positions.
A New Trend: Conscious Travel
This wave of cancellations reflects a broader shift in travel behavior. Today’s Indian traveler doesn’t just look at convenience or beauty. Values and political awareness now influence their decisions.
Countries that rely on Indian tourism may need to rethink their diplomatic messaging. Aligning too closely with India’s rivals can hurt not just diplomatic ties but also tourism revenues.
The message is clear: Indian tourists are making more informed choices, and the global travel industry must adapt to this new reality.
