Rising Patriotism Prompts Travel Cancellations and Product Boycotts Targeting Turkey and Azerbaijan
In the wake of rising geopolitical tensions, a powerful wave of national sentiment is reshaping how Indian travelers, businesses, and consumers engage with countries seen as unsupportive of India’s interests. The latest trigger? Turkey and Azerbaijan’s public support for Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor—a strategic response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.
A Shift in Travel Preferences
For many Indian tourists, Turkey and Azerbaijan were once dream destinations. From Istanbul’s rich history to Baku’s modern charm, these places offered a mix of culture, architecture, and scenic beauty. But now, the landscape has shifted.
Major travel agencies like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip are reporting a dramatic drop in bookings to both countries. EaseMyTrip, in a clear stance of solidarity, has even halted all bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. “This is about more than business,” said a spokesperson from the platform. “We stand with the nation.”
Industry figures support this shift: MakeMyTrip reported a 60% dip in Turkey-related bookings and a sharp 250% spike in cancellations. Other travel services, including Cox & Kings and Pickyourtrail, have followed suit, pausing promotions and trips to these destinations.
E-Commerce Platforms Respond to Public Sentiment
The ripple effect of public sentiment hasn’t stopped at travel. Leading fashion and lifestyle platforms like Myntra and Ajio—owned by Flipkart and Reliance, respectively—have started removing Turkish brands like Trendyol from their catalogs.
This move comes after increasing calls from consumers to stop supporting countries perceived as hostile or unsympathetic to India’s security concerns. Shoppers have taken to social media, urging brands to align with the national mood—and the brands are listening.
Beyond Travel and Shopping: Academic and Trade Impacts
The boycott wave is extending to academic and business ties too. Jamia Millia Islamia, a prominent university in Delhi, has suspended all collaborations with Turkish institutions, citing “national interest and security” as the reason.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged its members to cease imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan. Several business associations across the country have echoed this message, highlighting how trade decisions are becoming tools of diplomacy.
Social Media: The New Public Square
Social platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook are ablaze with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan. These aren’t just fleeting trends—they reflect a deeper shift in public consciousness. Users are actively calling out brands, discussing political alliances, and pushing for informed consumerism.
What’s striking is how quickly these digital campaigns are turning into real-world impact. From canceled holidays to emptied online shelves, the message is clear: patriotism is guiding purchasing and travel choices like never before.
A New Consumer Nationalism?
What we’re witnessing isn’t just a moment—it might be the beginning of a broader shift. Indian consumers are more vocal, more aware, and more willing to align their money with their values.
In a globalized world, personal choices have become political statements. Whether it’s skipping a trip to Cappadocia or removing a jacket from an online cart, for many Indians today, patriotism doesn’t just mean waving a flag—it means thinking twice about where their rupee goes.
