In 2024, Indian travellers emerged as a formidable force in the global tourism market. With rising incomes, streamlined visa regimes, and increased air connectivity, Indian tourists visited destinations such as Turkey and Azerbaijan in record numbers – injecting over Rs 4,000 crore into their economies. However, in an increasingly interconnected world where personal choices mirror national sentiment, the tides are shifting.

Following the heinous April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s decisive military response through Operation Sindoor, public sentiment in India has hardened. Turkey and Azerbaijan’s vocal support for Pakistan – globally recognised as a state sponsor of terrorism – has ignited a widespread call across India to boycott travel to these countries.

This article examines the scale of India’s economic contributions, the emerging moral dilemma for Indian travellers, and how an organic travel boycott is becoming a new form of people-driven diplomacy.

India’s foreign policy has long championed peaceful coexistence, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people ties. But peace cannot be unilateral. As New Delhi asserts its place on the global stage, Indian citizens are re-evaluating how their tourism choices align with national interests.

Despite receiving significant economic benefits from Indian travellers, both Turkey and Azerbaijan have repeatedly undermined India’s sovereignty by aligning with Pakistan on global platforms.

In 2024........

© News18