The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the apex body representing traders across the country, has called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their open support for Pakistan. The decision comes after Turkey and Azerbaijan have been providing diplomatic support to Pakistan, which has been at odds with India over the Kashmir issue. • Key Highlights
• Indian traders and citizens are being urged to boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. • The boycott is in response to the open support provided by Turkey and Azerbaijan to Pakistan. • The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is coordinating with travel and tour operators to intensify the campaign. • A boycott by Indian tourists could result in a significant economic loss for Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Impact on Indian Tourists
Indian tourists visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan have been significantly affected by the boycott. According to the CAIT, around 62.2 million foreign tourists visited Turkey in 2024, with approximately 300,000 tourists arriving from India alone. This marked a 20.7 per cent increase in Indian tourists compared to 2023. The average spending by an Indian tourist in Turkey was $972, amounting to a total estimated Indian expenditure of $291.6 million. In Azerbaijan, around 2.6 million foreign tourists visited in 2024, of which around 250,000 were Indians. The average spending by an Indian tourist was 2,170 Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which is approximately $1,276, leading to a total Indian contribution of roughly $308.6 million.
Consequences of the Boycott
The boycott by Indian tourists could have significant consequences for Turkey and Azerbaijan’s economies, particularly their tourism sector. According to CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, a travel boycott by Indian citizens to Turkey and Azerbaijan could result in a direct loss of approximately $291.6 million for Turkey and $308.6 million for Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the cancellation of Indian weddings, corporate events, and other cultural programmes would cause even further indirect economic losses.
CAIT’s Nationwide Campaign
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has been running a nationwide campaign to boycott Chinese products, which has had a considerable impact. The organisation now intends to extend this movement to Turkey and Azerbaijan. CAIT will coordinate with travel and tour operators and other relevant stakeholders to intensify this campaign.
Reactions from Turkish and Azerbaijani Authorities
The Department of Tourism, Ankara, has urged Indian travellers to visit the country, stating that the vast majority of the local population is unaware of the conflict taking place between India and Pakistan, and it has no bearing on daily life or the tourism environment. Azerbaijan has also not made any official statement regarding the boycott.
Potential Economic Impact
The boycott by Indian tourists could result in a significant economic slowdown in the tourism sector of Turkey and Azerbaijan. As Indians mainly visit Azerbaijan for leisure, weddings, entertainment, and adventure activities, a large-scale decline could cause a noticeable economic slowdown in these sectors.
Thousands Cancel Travel Plans
Thousands across the country have already cancelled their travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan while ticket booking platforms and travel operators have stopped bookings to these countries. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called upon Indian traders and citizens to support this campaign.
CAIT Secretary General’s Statement
According to CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, the economic pressure could force both Turkey and Azerbaijan to reconsider their policies towards India.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is committed to supporting the Indian economy and protecting the interests of Indian traders. We urge all Indian citizens to support this campaign and boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan until they reconsider their support for Pakistan.
