Our Bureau
New Delhi
Calls to boycott Turkey are sweeping across India, following Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan tensions. The movement, amplified by the hashtag #BoycottTurkey, has gained momentum on social media and is now influencing both consumer behavior and political discourse.
The controversy erupted after Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed solidarity with Pakistan in response to India’s “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted terror infrastructure across the border. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly thanked Turkey, further stoking Indian anger.
Indian social media users were quick to react, with many urging fellow citizens to shun Turkish goods and tourism. “Terrorism and tourism won’t go together,” posted one influential account, echoing a sentiment that has since gone viral. Despite Turkish tourism authorities assuring Indian travelers of safety and normalcy, the message has largely fallen on deaf ears.
The effects are already visible in Indian markets. In Pune, major fruit traders have stopped importing Turkish apples, a business worth over Rs 1,000 crore annually. “We have decided to stop purchasing apples from Turkey and are instead opting for produce from Himachal, Uttarakhand, Iran, and other regions,” said Suyog Zende, a local apple merchant. Retailers report that customers are actively avoiding Turkish products, reinforcing the boycott at the grassroots level.
Political leaders have also joined the fray. Congress leader Kuldeep Singh Rathore called for an immediate ban on Turkish imports, accusing Turkey of “diplomatic betrayal” after India’s aid during Turkey’s 2023 earthquake. “We cannot allow any nation to enjoy our goodwill while arming those who threaten our national security,” Rathore stated.
The tourism sector has been hit hard. Travel agents report an 80% drop in bookings to Turkey, with leisure travel demand “almost zero.” Industry insiders say Indian travelers are now favoring destinations in Southeast Asia and Europe.
