India Stands Strong: Travel Industry Joins Boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan

India Calls for Boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan

Billionaire Harsh Goenka, a prominent Indian industrialist, has urged citizens to boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their support for Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Goenka made this call on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing the significant economic impact Indian tourists have on both countries.

Millions of Rupees at Stake

According to Goenka, Indian tourists contributed over Rs 4,000 crore (approximately $480 million USD) to the economies of Turkey and Azerbaijan in 2024 alone. He pointed out that this financial support has created jobs and boosted various sectors, including hotels, weddings, and airlines.

Goenka urged Indians to reconsider their travel plans, highlighting the availability of numerous beautiful destinations within India and around the world. He expressed his solidarity with India, stating, “Jai Hind” (meaning “Victory to India”) in his post.

Travel Industry Follows Suit

Several prominent Indian travel companies have echoed Goenka’s call and taken action. Ixigo, EasyMyTrip, Cox & Kings, Go Homestays, and Pickyourtrail have all suspended bookings or ended partnerships with Turkish accommodations.

These companies cited their support for India and the current national sentiment as the reason for their decisions. They posted messages on X expressing their solidarity with India and emphasizing their commitment to the country’s interests.

Beyond Tourism: A Wider Impact

Goenka’s initiative and the travel industry’s response demonstrate a collective effort to express disapproval of Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan. This economic pressure could potentially influence the diplomatic stance of these countries.

The situation remains tense, and the long-term implications of this boycott on India-Turkey and India-Azerbaijan relations remain to be seen.