In a significant move with deep geopolitical undertones, India has suspended trade and tourism ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The decision, while not officially announced by the Indian government at the highest level, is being enforced through several trade associations and travel companies across the country. This strategic shift comes in response to what India perceives as overt political support by Turkey and Azerbaijan towards Pakistan, especially regarding the Kashmir dispute and other regional matters.
Background: Tensions in the Region
India’s relationship with Turkey and Azerbaijan has been increasingly strained over the last few years. Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has repeatedly voiced support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. In several international forums, Erdoğan has criticized India’s handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the issue to be resolved under United Nations resolutions. Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey, has also echoed similar sentiments in recent diplomatic statements, further aggravating New Delhi.
This support has not gone unnoticed in India, where nationalist sentiments and concerns over national sovereignty are taken very seriously. Public opinion, especially on social media platforms, has turned against these two countries, with growing calls for economic and cultural disengagement.
Trade Associations Take the Lead
Rather than waiting for a formal declaration from New Delhi, trade associations in several Indian states have taken proactive steps. The Assam Chamber of Commerce, for instance, issued directives to local traders to halt all imports and exports with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The organization cited “national interest” as the primary reason, stating that continuing economic ties with countries that side with Pakistan undermines India’s strategic position.
Similarly, in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur region, the Powerloom Weavers Association appealed to its members to end commercial dealings with the two nations. Given that Kolhapur is a textile hub with historical trade links to several West Asian countries, this move is symbolic and significant.
While the economic impact of such a move may not be enormous—India’s trade volumes with Turkey and Azerbaijan are not as substantial as with other global partners—it is the political message that stands out.
Travel Industry Reacts
India’s travel and tourism sector has also responded decisively. Major companies such as EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings, and Travomint have suspended bookings for trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan. The companies stated that this step is in line with national sentiment and the need to ensure the safety of Indian travelers amid diplomatic friction.
EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti said in a public statement that they have stopped promoting travel packages to these countries and will offer full refunds to customers who had made bookings. Other companies followed suit, stating they do not wish to support tourism to nations that take a hostile diplomatic position toward India.
This decision comes just months before the summer travel season, a time when many Indians travel abroad for holidays. Turkey, in particular, has been a popular destination for Indian tourists in recent years, owing to its rich history, scenic landscapes, and affordability.
Social Media Amplifies the Sentiment
The decision has been further amplified by nationalist voices on social media. Hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan have been trending on Indian Twitter, with users urging citizens to avoid products, services, and destinations associated with these countries.
Patriotic influencers and political commentators have also weighed in, lauding the travel and trade bans as necessary steps to assert India’s geopolitical autonomy. For many, this is not just a matter of diplomacy, but of national pride.
Diplomatic Consequences and Future Outlook
While there has been no immediate official response from Ankara or Baku, these moves are likely to strain diplomatic ties further. India has previously shown a willingness to recalibrate its foreign policy when national interests are threatened, and this appears to be another example of that approach.
Analysts believe that India’s response is a calculated diplomatic message—not just to Turkey and Azerbaijan—but also to other countries that may be considering siding with Pakistan on contentious issues. It reflects a shift in India’s foreign policy posture, where economic leverage is used as a tool of international diplomacy.
Whether this tension leads to further fallout or prompts a recalibration of positions by the involved countries remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that India is no longer willing to ignore what it sees as hostile international rhetoric—especially when it comes to its sovereignty and internal affairs.
Reference: بھارت نے ترکیہ اور آذربائیجان کے ساتھ تجارت اور سیاحت بند کر دی