Tensions between India and Turkey escalate as the ‘Boycott Turkey’ movement gains traction online and in local markets, fueled by Turkey’s support for Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
By Our Correspondent
New Delhi: The ‘Boycott Turkey’ campaign has ignited across India, driven by Turkey’s open solidarity with Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor. Social media platforms, particularly X, are ablaze with #BoycottTurkey and ‘Ban Turkey’ slogans, while local markets echo the sentiment with tangible actions. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s call to Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, expressing support against India’s “unprovoked aggression,” has sparked outrage, prompting a unified response from Indian citizens, traders, and political leaders.
Social Media Fuels Nationwide Outrage
The hashtag #BoycottTurkey has trended heavily on X, with users like BhartiyNiveshak amplifying the call to shun Turkish tourism and goods. Turkey’s tourism department attempted to downplay the issue, claiming the India-Pakistan conflict has “no bearing” on its tourism environment and welcoming Indian travelers. However, this dismissal has only intensified public anger, with netizens arguing that Turkey’s support for Pakistan, including alleged arms supplies, contradicts its tourism overtures. Posts on X emphasize that “terrorism and tourism won’t go together,” reflecting a growing consensus to sever ties with Turkey.
Local Markets Take a Stand
In Pune, fruit traders have spearheaded a boycott of Turkish apples, a market worth Rs 1,000-1,200 crores seasonally. Merchants like Suyog Zende at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) have switched to apples from Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Iran, citing patriotic duty. Customers are aligning with this stance, actively avoiding Turkish produce. This shift underscores a broader market sentiment to reject goods from a nation perceived as aligning with India’s adversary, reinforcing the boycott at the grassroots level.
Political Leaders and Travel Industry React
Congress leader Kuldeep Singh Rathore from Himachal Pradesh has demanded an immediate ban on Turkish imports, citing Turkey’s “diplomatic betrayal” after India’s aid during the 2023 earthquake via Operation Dost. The travel sector is also reeling, with agents reporting an 80% drop in Turkey bookings. Sandeep Khetarpal of Zotrav noted a sharp decline in interest, while Aman Baweja of Travomint highlighted near-zero leisure travel demand, predicting a shift toward Southeast Asia and Europe.
As India’s boycott of Turkey intensifies, from social media to markets and politics, the movement signals a resolute stand against nations supporting adversaries, reshaping economic and cultural ties.
