India cuts ties with Turkey amid growing boycott calls over Pakistan row

What began as social media calls to avoid traveling to Turkey has snowballed into a major diplomatic fallout, with India suspending ties with Turkish businesses and academic institutions following Ankara’s backing of Pakistan in recent India-Pakistan tensions.

The flashpoint came after Turkey vocally supported Pakistan following deadly clashes in Kashmir.

In response, India has revoked security clearance for Turkish ground-handling company Celebi, effectively banning it from operating at Indian airports. The firm, which operated at hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, denies any wrongdoing and plans to challenge the decision.

India’s aviation ministry confirmed the action was driven by national security concerns and widespread public demand. The Minister of State for Aviation stated on X that the government acted to “protect national interests.”

Several top Indian universities, including JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia, have also suspended collaborations with Turkish institutions.

Backlash intensified online after reports claimed Turkish drones may have been used by Pakistan against Indian forces. Politicians like Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed public sentiment, urging citizens not to spend “hard-earned rupees” in countries aiding India’s adversaries.

Travel behavior has shifted sharply—bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped by 60 per cent, and cancellations have surged by 250 per cent, according to MakeMyTrip. Travel agencies are scaling back on trips to these destinations, fearing social media backlash and business losses.

In 2024, over 330,000 Indians visited Turkey, a rise from the previous year, though they made up less than 1% of its total foreign tourists. Azerbaijan, with nearly 9 per cent Indian arrivals, may feel a bigger hit.

Despite boycott momentum, no major alternative destinations have seen a noticeable boost yet, with travel sites like Cleartrip reporting stable demand for other options such as Greece.