During the India-Pakistan military conflict, Turkey provided armed drones to Pakistan and even sent trained operators, openly revealing its allegiance to Pakistan. Post-ceasefire, opposition against this friend of Pakistan sparked in India, and the boycott movement against Turkey began gaining traction. Two crucial lessons were learned from this 4-day India-Pakistan 'war'.
First lesson: 'He who desires to be a friend to everyone becomes no one's true friend.' This saying by the famous philosopher Aristotle fits India’s relationship with allies like America. Despite India considering the U.S. a friend, America often takes a neutral route during India's tough times, never explicitly supporting India. Thus, India needs to learn the difference between friends and business partners.
Second lesson: We now know who Pakistan's friends are. In this conflict, Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan openly supported Pakistan. Turkey assisted Pakistan with drones while Pakistan conspired against India with its allies. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China unabashedly sided with Pakistan, showcasing their double standard about Pakistani terrorism. The most disgraceful actions came from Turkey.
After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Turkey never acknowledged that the terrorists were from Pakistan. Yet when India destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, Turkey spoke in favor of Pakistan. The Turkish foreign ministry issued a statement claiming India's move was provocative and could ignite a significant conflict.
India had come to Turkey's aid during its crisis
This illustrates Turkey's commitment to its friendship with terrorist country Pakistan. Turkey not only ideologically supported Pakistan but also provided weapons to fight against India. Surprisingly, it was this same Turkey that received extensive aid from India during hard times. In 2023, when Turkey was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, India was among the first to send humanitarian assistance, consisting of relief materials and medical support, under the mission named Operation Dost.
Turkey provided Pakistan drones and taught their operation
In the face of adversity, India stood alongside Turkey as a friend, yet today, Turkey stands against India, joining Pakistan—the epicenter of Islamic terrorism. Providing weapons to assist attacks on India, Turkey’s hostile actions included over 350 drone attacks on the night of May 8 and 9, all drones supplied by Turkey. These drone attacks were conducted under Turkish military supervision, with Turkish military officers present in Pakistan's military command center. Turkey also tutored Pakistan on operating these drones to attack Indian residential areas. Pakistani forces lacked the expertise to operate suicidal drones, prompting Turkey to help, sending two drone operators to train the Pakistani army. However, Turkey's strategy failed, as India successfully neutralized those drones and their operators.
'Tourism Strike' by India on Turkey and Azerbaijan
This 'war' exposed Pakistan's allies, leading the Indian government to shut down Turkey's TRT WORLD account in India to prevent misinformation. Seen as a testament to India's discontent, the government is making efforts to send a message to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Indian tourists and travel agencies have taken action against Pakistan's allies. A 'tourism strike' has been declared on Turkey and Azerbaijan, with boycott movements trending on social media. Indians have decided not to waste money in countries that support enemies of India, even prompting travel agencies to halt bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Big Losses Loom for Turkey and Azerbaijan
Indian anger towards Turkey and Azerbaijan is about to cost these countries dearly. A large number of Indian tourists choose Turkey and Azerbaijan for their travels, spending millions of rupees there.
- In 2024, over 330,000 Indians vacationed in Turkey, a significant increase from the 274,000 visitors in 2023, marking a 21% rise within a year.
- Similarly, 243,000 Indians visited Azerbaijan last year, compared to approximately 120,000 in 2023, reflecting a 108% surge within a year. Indians spare no expense on their travels to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- According to data, Indian tourists spend an average of 100,000 INR per person in Turkey and Azerbaijan, cumulatively spending roughly 40 billion INR last year in these countries.
Source: aajtak
Booking Halted for Turkey and Azerbaijan's Citizens
Travel agencies like Ease My Trip, ixigo, Cox & Kings, and India & The World have ceased operations to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Additionally, hotels such as Goa Villas in India have suspended bookings for Turkish and Azerbaijani citizens. These decisions were made in response to Pakistan's support post-Pahalgam attacks. Agencies argue that Indian money should no longer support anti-India nations. Instead, Indian tourists are being encouraged and offered great deals to explore destinations such as Greece, and Armenia.
Source: aajtak
Indians flock to Turkey and Azerbaijan in large numbers
Annually, India pours 40 billion INR into Turkey and Azerbaijan through tourism. Yet, these nations support Pakistan, which turns this support into fatal attacks against Indians. However, with these new initiatives by Indian citizens, the tourism sectors in Turkey and Azerbaijan have taken a substantial hit.
