- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 13 May 2025 04:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The call to boycott Turkish goods and travel is rapidly gaining ground in India, especially in cities like Pune, after Turkey publicly backed Pakistan in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor. The operation, conducted on May 7, targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In response, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed “solidarity with Pakistan against India’s unprovoked aggression,” as shared by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X. The statement drew immediate criticism from Indian citizens and officials, who viewed it as unwarranted interference.Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed “solidarity with Pakistan against India’s unprovoked aggression,” as shared by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X. The statement drew immediate criticism from Indian citizens and officials, who viewed it as unwarranted interference
FM of Türkiye @HakanFidan called DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 to express Türkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan against India’s unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 7, 2025
He expressed concern over the deteriorating regional security situation. Both… pic.twitter.com/8K0xiJt3Sb
In a direct response, fruit traders in Pune have begun boycotting Turkish apples, which generate a seasonal turnover of Rs 1,000–1,200 crore in the city. This economic retaliation, according to traders, goes beyond business, it’s a show of support for the Indian armed forces and government policies. Market participants say the boycott is likely to have a noticeable impact on the city’s fruit commerce, especially as the apple season peaks.
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Social Media Uprising: #BoycottTurkey Trends
The protest has taken on a national dimension via social media. A post that gained widespread attention read, “The Turkish tourism industry is SHITTING itself over the Indian boycott campaign. Indian tourists to Turkey invest in strengthening Pakistan’s military.”
🇮🇳🇹🇷 The Turkish tourism industry is SHITTING itself over the Indian boycott campaign.
— Paul Antonopoulos 🇬🇷🇨🇾 (@oulosP) May 13, 2025
⚡️Indian tourists to Turkey invest in strengthening Pakistan’s military.
🇬🇷 By traveling to Greece instead, you are supporting a country that has ALWAYS backed India on the Kashmir issue at… pic.twitter.com/cOjEuvfuMr
The post urged travellers to choose Greece over Turkey, highlighting Greece’s historical and diplomatic support for India, including its stance on Kashmir and cooperation in international organisations like the UN and NSG.
Another user wrote, “Please cancel trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan if any. Below are some of the products from Turkey, hope you never buy them in the future. #BoycottTurkey #BoycottAzerbaijan.”
Request everyone to please cancel their trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan if any.
— Varun Jamwaal 🪷 (@VarunJamwaal) May 11, 2025
And below are some of the products from turkey , Hope you never buy them in the future. #BoycottTurkey #BoycottAzerbaijan pic.twitter.com/SNBegh0bRV
Turkish-Made Drones Used Against India
Tensions escalated further when Pakistan responded to Operation Sindoor by launching 300–400 Turkish-made Songar drones on May 8–9. India’s air defence system effectively neutralised the threat.