New Delhi, May 8, 2025 – A wave of anger has swept across Indian social media, with the hashtag #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trending on X, as netizens call for a boycott of tourism and economic ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The campaign, which gained significant traction on Thursday, stems from allegations that both nations are supporting Pakistan, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, a precision missile strike on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The outrage was initially sparked by reports of Turkish military aircraft landing in Pakistan with cargo, perceived by many in India as support for Pakistan’s stance against India. Geopolitical commentator Swasti Rao fueled the sentiment, posting on X, “Turkey has been arming Pakistan, with an openly anti-India rhetoric,” urging Indians to boycott Turkish tourism and airlines. Similarly, Azerbaijan’s backing of Pakistan on the Kashmir issue has drawn ire, with X users highlighting that both nations benefit significantly from Indian tourism.
According to posts on X, approximately 3.3 lakh Indians traveled to Turkey and 2.4 lakh to Azerbaijan in 2024, contributing significantly to their economies. Influential voices on the platform, including @TimesAlgebraIND and @SureshNakhua, called for redirecting tourism to India-friendly nations like Armenia and Greece, which have expressed support for India on international issues. “Why boost their economies?” one post read, garnering thousands of likes and reposts.
The campaign has also reignited memories of India’s swift aid to Turkey during the 2023 earthquake under Operation Dost, with users like @PawanDurani expressing disappointment: “India was the first to send relief teams, yet Turkey supports Pakistan.” Others, including @ayusshsanghi, emphasized the need to hit back economically, stating, “A complete boycott of tourist destinations like Istanbul and Baku by Indians is required right now.”
While the hashtag has unified many in expressing nationalist sentiment, some voices on X cautioned against blanket generalizations, urging dialogue over economic retaliation. However, these were drowned out by the overwhelming support for the boycott, with #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trending at the top of X India charts by Thursday afternoon.
The Indian government has not officially commented on the boycott calls, but the sentiment aligns with recent diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and visa cancellations for Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
As the hashtag continues to trend, it underscores the growing role of social media in shaping public opinion and mobilizing economic actions in response to geopolitical developments. Whether the boycott will translate into tangible economic impact remains to be seen, but for now, it has captured the attention of millions across India.
