Industrialist Harsh Goenka has urged Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan due to their support for Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir on April 22. Goenka pointed out that Indians had contributed over ₹4,000 crore to these countries through tourism in the past year, helping boost their economies and creating jobs. He urged people to explore other destinations instead, emphasizing India’s own beauty. His comments come after several Indian travel companies suspended bookings to these nations.
Impact on Indian Travel Industry
Following Goenka’s statement, many Indian travel agencies have suspended bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. A significant drop in bookings, with estimates suggesting a 50% decline in travel to both countries, has been observed. Several tourists are now redirecting their trips to places like Bali and Malaysia. Some Indian travel websites have also pledged not to book flights with Turkish Airlines or offer accommodations to Turkish and Azerbaijani citizens.
Support for India from Indian Travel Companies
Ixigo, a major travel platform, announced that it would no longer book flights or hotels for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China, expressing solidarity with India. Other companies, such as Go Homestays and Goa Villas, followed suit. Go Homestays ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, while Goa Villas stated it would no longer offer accommodation to Turkish citizens, citing the country’s non-cooperative stance regarding the India-Pakistan conflict.
Growing Boycott Movement
In response to the ongoing tensions, several sectors within India have rallied against Turkish support for Pakistan. The marble industry in Udaipur, Asia’s largest marble export hub, has unanimously decided to stop trading with Turkey. This collective decision is seen as a show of solidarity with India. Udaipur’s marble traders believe that halting trade with Turkey, which supplies 70% of India’s imported marble, will send a strong message globally.
Boycott of Turkish Goods in Other Cities
The “Ban Turkey” movement has gained momentum in various parts of India, especially in Pune. Local traders in Pune have decided to boycott Turkish apples, which usually account for significant turnover in the city’s fruit markets. The boycott is expected to have a notable impact on the seasonal trade, estimated at ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 crore.
Turkey and Azerbaijan’s Stance on Recent Conflicts
Turkey and Azerbaijan have condemned Indian military actions in Pakistan. On May 7, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Indian attack, warning of the risk of an all-out war. Similarly, Azerbaijan expressed concerns over the escalation of tensions and offered condolences to the families of those affected in Pakistan. Both nations called for restraint and diplomatic solutions.
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have led to significant economic and political consequences. Harsh Goenka’s call for a boycott, along with actions from travel companies and industries, reflects India’s response to Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan. This boycott movement is part of a larger national effort to assert India’s position in the global arena.
