Despite ‘Boycott Turkey’ trend, Erdogan retains ‘brotherly’ ties with Pak – India News

Indians vehemently expressed their distaste for Turkey and Azerbaijan’s pro-Pakistan stance amid Operation Sindoor. Recently, this criticism translated into social media trends and real-life implications on the ground, as netizens and certain political leaders alike got the ‘Boycott Turkey’ movement rolling. From hashtags on X to local markets in India, citizens of the country foregrounded the need to divest any ties from nations backing Pakistan.

Nevertheless, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained unfazed by these staunch reminders, which are now also reflecting in the country’s reported tourism decline due to its political stance in the Indian-Pakistan conflict. Instead of back-pedalling or switching statements, Erdogan again extended unwavering support to its “brotherly Pakistan,” while calling Pak Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif his “precious brother.”

Pakistan PM, Turkey President continue to profess ‘brotherly ties’ while opposing India

Once Sharif took to his X account to thank Turkish leaders for their “strong support and unwavering solidarity” for Pakistan and upholding “brotherly ties” between the countries.

“I was deeply touched by the strong support and unwavering solidarity of my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan. Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested and enduring brotherly ties with Turkey, which have grown stronger with each new challenge,” the Pakistani PM wrote online. “I am particularly grateful for His Excellency’s constructive role and resolute efforts to promote peace in South Asia. May the ties between Pakistan and Turkey continue to grow stronger as we work together to build a bright and prosperous future for our two countries and peoples.”

Maintaining the same tone of ‘brotherhood,’ the Turkish president replied, “My precious brother, The brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan, which is enjoyed by very few nations in the world, is one of the best examples of true friendship. As Türkiye, we attach great importance to the peace, tranquility and stability of Pakistan. We appreciate the sensible, patient policy of the Pakistani state, which prioritizes dialogue and compromise in resolving disputes.”

Furthermore, Erdogan promised to stay by Pakistan’s side in “good and bad times, as we have in the past and in the future.” He even added, “Through you, I greet our friendly and brotherly Pakistan with my most heartfelt affection.”

Turkey-origin drones linked to attacks on India

Turkey’s public support for Pakistan especially became a contentious focal point of discussion after Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh disclosed that some drones used by Pakistan to launch militant action against Indian civilians and military bases had Turkish origins. “Preliminary reports indicate that the drones are Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models,” she said during a recent media briefing.

Turkey boycott: Tourism slumps

Turkish capital Ankara issued a formal notice, saying that the India-Pakistan tensions have “no bearing on daily life or the tourism” in their country. The tourism department went as far as directly addressing Indian travellers, “All travel operations continue as planned, and there are no restrictions or safety issues affecting Indian guests,” adding that there was no reason to postpone or cancel any Turkey-destined trips.

However, Indians notably did not pay heed to the calls as trip cancellations have peaked with ‘#Boycott Turkey’ in focus. “Recent geopolitical tensions are substantially affecting travel patterns. Cancellation rates have reached 22% for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan, with travelers increasingly choosing destinations like Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam,” EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie told FinancialExpress.com. “There is a preference shift when it comes to choosing a destination. Bookings to impacted areas have halted due to post-ceasefire uncertainties, while unaffected airports and regions maintain normal operations without major disruptions.”

Similarly, a MakeMyTrip spokesperson told us, “Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past one week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250% during the same period.” The company even advised Indian travellers to stand by the country and avoid visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan: “In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey.”

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