No more Baku visits: Indians lash out at Azerbaijan and Turkey over support to Pakistan after Operation Sindoor
Hyderabad: A strong backlash has emerged in India after Turkey and Azerbaijan issued statements condemning India’s missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The two countries’ pro-Pakistan stance, expressed through social media posts and official statements, has led to widespread calls for a boycott, particularly targeting tourism ties between India and these nations.
The Azerbaijani foreign ministry expressed concern over the escalation of tensions, condemning the military action that resulted in civilian casualties. On X (formerly Twitter), the ministry wrote: “The Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its concern over the further escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. We condemn the military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which resulted in the death and injury of several civilians. In solidarity with the people of Pakistan, we express our condolences to the families of the innocent victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Due to Turkey’s non-cooperative stance in the current global scenario involving India and Pakistan, we’ve decided not to offer any accommodation services to Turkish citizens in Goa. We stand firmly with our nation.
Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— Goa Villas (@Goavilla_) May 8, 2025
The statement continued, “We call on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.”
Similarly, Turkey’s President voiced his concerns on X, stating, “We are concerned that the tension between Pakistan and India will turn into a hot conflict with missile attacks resulting in the deaths of many civilians. I wish God’s mercy upon our brothers who lost their lives in the attacks and once again offer my condolences to the brotherly people and state of Pakistan.”
He added, “Yesterday, we had an important telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. We find valuable Pakistan’s proposal for an international investigation into the heinous terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Although there are those who pour gasoline on the fire, we as Türkiye are making every effort to reduce tensions and open channels of dialogue before events reach a point of no return.”
Indians should stop going to Azerbaijan! 4th Largest source of Inbound tourist. Support Pakistan & check whether they have money to travel? @AzerbaijanMFA
— Tirth Sangoi (@TirthSangoi1) May 7, 2025
These statements from Azerbaijan and Turkey have angered many Indian citizens, particularly as Azerbaijan has become a popular tourist destination for Indians in recent years. Social media users quickly called for a boycott of both countries, urging fellow citizens to reconsider their travel plans.
Tirth Sangoi (@TirthSangoi1) posted, “Indians should stop going to Azerbaijan! 4th largest source of inbound tourism. Support Pakistan and check whether they have money to travel? @AzerbaijanMFA.”
Rubel Ahmed commented, “Aaaand lastly, as an Indian Muslim, we don’t want you as our rahbar… we are united India. We are strong enough to defend our sovereignty.”
The backlash also extended beyond social media. Goa Villas, a villa rental platform, announced it would no longer accommodate Turkish citizens, citing Turkey’s stance on the ongoing conflict. The platform stated: “Due to Turkey’s non-cooperative stance in the current global scenario involving India and Pakistan, we’ve decided not to offer any accommodation services to Turkish citizens in Goa. We stand firmly with our nation. Jai Hind 🇮🇳.”
Others suggested alternative travel destinations, encouraging Indians to consider Greece or Armenia instead of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
This growing tourism boycott comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s missile strikes on key terror sites in Pakistan, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Bahawalpur base and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Muridke headquarters, following the massacre of 26 civilians in Pahalgam.
