A strong wave of anger is sweeping across India with the slogan “Boycott Turkey Tourism and Airlines” trending nationwide. This public outcry isn’t without reason—it stems from what many Indians perceive as a deep betrayal by a nation—Once, India helped Turkey during a time of heavy crisis.
Supplying Arms to Pakistan: Prime reason behind the trend “Boycott Turkey Tourism”
The controversy erupted due to reports confirmed that six Turkish C-130 Hercules transport aircraft carrying military cargo had landed in Pakistan on Sunday. While tensions with China are expected due to long-standing geopolitical issues, Turkey’s support to Pakistan has come as a shock. Especially because India stood by Turkey during one of its darkest moments—just two years ago.
Operation Dost: India’s Help to Turkey in 2023
In February 2023, when a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, India was the first country to respond, launching “Operation Dost” within 8 hours. The Indian Army sent full disaster relief teams, including rescue operations staff, medical professionals, mobile hospitals, life-saving equipment, and essential medicines. This swift response saved countless lives and showcased India’s commitment to humanitarian aid.
Many Turkeys’ victims were so thankful to India that time…
Many Indians are now questioning: How could Turkey forget this gesture so soon?
Why Turkey’s Actions Feel Like Betrayal!
Fast forward to today. India is mourning the loss of 26 innocent Hindus who were killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir by the Pakistan-backed group TRF (The Resistance Front). In the midst of this grief, the news of Turkish military cargo being delivered to Pakistan feels like a stab in the back.
It’s not just about diplomacy—it’s about values, memory, and respect. India helped save countless lives in Turkey. And now, when India is reeling from a terror attack, Turkey is openly arming a nation that harbors those responsible?
This is why many Indians are now urging a boycott of Turkish tourism and airlines. It’s not merely about travel or economics. It’s about sending a clear message: we will not support nations that aid those who harm us.
Turkey’s Military Links with Pakistan Raise Global Security Concerns
India—and indeed much of the world—stands united in the fight against Islamic terrorism. But Turkey’s recent actions suggest a troubling divergence from this global consensus. With a population that is predominantly Muslim (around 99%), Turkey’s policies appear to be increasingly aligned with ideological loyalties, rather than global peace and security.
Despite intense international scrutiny, Turkey reportedly allowed six C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to land in Pakistan, a nation widely recognized as a hub of cross-border terrorism. Although Turkey later denied supplying military cargo and claimed the aircraft stopped only for refueling, this explanation has been met with widespread skepticism. The timing and context of these actions raise serious doubts.
Terrorism and Turkey’s Silence: A Growing Global Concern
This is not just about India. By supporting Pakistan—particularly at a time when the world mourns the deaths of innocent civilians due to terrorist attacks—Turkey is undermining the global fight against extremism. Such a move is seen not only as a betrayal of India, but also of every nation committed to eradicating terrorism.
Should Tourists Support Turkey?
At a time when unity is needed against the forces that perpetuate violence and instability, Turkey’s alignment with a state sponsoring terrorism is deeply concerning.
Given these developments, a growing number of voices in India are calling for a complete boycott of Turkish tourism and airlines. It’s not just an Indian issue—this is a global concern. Every international traveler who values peace and condemns terrorism should reconsider supporting a country whose actions seem to embolden those very threats.
