Indian tourists have reportedly begun canceling their travel plans to Türkiye and Azerbaijan after both countries voiced support for Pakistan amid its recent tensions with India.
Data from travel websites show that Indian travelers are backing out of trips to Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing the diplomatic fallout triggered by Ankara and Baku siding with Islamabad in its military standoff with New Delhi.
According to MakeMyTrip, one of India’s leading travel agencies, reservations for Türkiye and Azerbaijan have plunged by 60% over the past week compared to the period before the conflict escalated. At the same time, cancellations have soared by 250%, with the promotional offers for Türkiye and Azerbaijan having also been called off.
A tourism expert told Türkiye Today the boycott will have little impact, as Indian tourist numbers are low compared to other nationalities. However, some Turkish tourism companies launched “Indian wedding” campaigns in recent years. The expert said that the wedding segment of Indian tourism might be affected by the recent boycott campaign. He said nearly 15 large Indian weddings are organized in Türkiye, while this number reaches 300 in Thailand.
A lavish Indian wedding ceremony takes place on a seaside platform in Antalya, Türkiye, accessed on May 15, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Major Indian travel platforms, including Le Travenues Technology, Easy Trip Planners, and Cox & Kings, have also halted promotional campaigns and services to Türkiye and Azerbaijan, alongside existing restrictions on travel to China.
Karan Agarwal, an executive at Cox & Kings, said the company is closely monitoring the situation and will consider resuming operations once conditions improve.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Türkiye and Azerbaijan gained popularity among Indian tourists thanks to their affordability and convenient access. In 2024, nearly half a million Indians visited Türkiye, double the figure in 2019, according to India’s civil aviation authority. Azerbaijan also drew over 80,000 Indian visitors last year, supported by direct flights operated by IndiGo since 2023.
Indian tourists pose for a cheerful selfie with scenic views of Bodrum in Mugla, Türkiye, accessed on May 15, 2025. (AA Photo)
Leaders reaffirm ties with Islamabad
The backlash from Indian travelers comes in response to diplomatic gestures made by Türkiye and Azerbaijan in support of Pakistan. On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the social media platform X for his “strong support and unwavering solidarity.” Erdogan responded by reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to Pakistan, stating that “just like in the past, we will stand by you through good and bad times.”
Similarly, Azerbaijan released an official statement on May 7, expressing solidarity with Islamabad and condemning India’s military actions. These remarks have fueled anger among Indian citizens, prompting many to boycott travel to both countries.
