In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, during which the Indian Armed Forces had attacked terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in response to the horrific Pahalgam attack that left 26 tourists dead, Turkey’s open alignment with Pakistan has fueled a social media trend in India. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s appeal to Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif, complimenting Pakistan’s “calm and restrained policies,” has been interpreted by many Indians as an affront to India’s counter-terror efforts.
As a result, a national appeal to boycott Turkish Airlines and other Turkish-connected businesses has gathered steam, with citizens calling for a stand against countries seen as eroding India’s sovereignty.
We are officially ending our partnership with Turkish Airlines due to their unsupportive stance towards India. Going forward, we will no longer include their flights in our international travel packages. Jai Hind
— Go Homestays (@GoHomestay) May 8, 2025
Social Media Uproar: A Nation’s Call for Unity
Platforms such as X have experienced a deluge of tweets promoting the boycott. One went viral, which reads, “A Call To Every Proud Indian. Our nation’s dignity and security first. Boycott Turkish Airlines. Say no to travel that finances our detractors. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” This is a typical expression of an overall desire to put national interest ahead of foreign convenience.
@IndiGo6E is partner airline of Turkish @TurkishAirlines , the way Turkey is standing with terrorists pakistan we should boycott @IndiGo6E also, if they don’t break the partnership. This is not acceptable. pic.twitter.com/7qiwPE0lzT
— Gaurav Goyal (@ggbhartiya) May 7, 2025
IndiGo’s Connection with Turkish Airlines Under a Microscope
IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has come under criticism for its tie-up with Turkish Airlines. Its codeshare pact, which resumed in July 2022, enables both airlines to sell seats on one another’s flights, making it easy to travel from India to Istanbul. Moreover, IndiGo’s wet lease of Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 777 aircraft has also been extended up to June 2024.
Nevertheless, recent technical problems in these aircraft have left hundreds of passengers stranded in Istanbul, increasing public anger.
Turkey-Pakistan Defense Cooperations Raise Fears
Turkey’s increasing defense cooperation with Pakistan is further complicating its relations with India. The two countries have become involved in serious military cooperations, including the sale of MILGEM corvettes and the cooperation in the development of drone technologies.
Such cooperative arrangements are seen by most Indians as risks to regional stability and security interests of India.
Economic Consequences of the Boycott
The potential economic effect of the boycott on Turkish Airlines and businesses related to it may be severe. India is a major market for Turkish tourism and aviation industries. An ongoing boycott may mean reduced revenues and force Turkish institutions to rethink their stances regarding regional disputes.
This phenomenon highlights the role of popular opinion in making foreign policy and influencing international business ties. When citizens are vocal and mobilized, their group action can bring pressure to bear on diplomatic alignments and corporate positions, underscoring the necessity for balancing foreign alliances with domestic values.
