CAIT Calls for Travel Boycott to Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Support to Pakistan

New Delhi : In a bold move to protest the support extended to Pakistan by Turkey and Azerbaijan, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged Indian citizens and traders to boycott travel to both countries. The traders’ apex body has called this a necessary economic step to oppose nations perceived to be aligned against India’s interests.

CAIT, which represents more than 80 million traders across the country, said on Wednesday that it plans to extend its ongoing boycott campaign—previously focused on Chinese goods—to these two nations. The organization announced plans to collaborate with travel agencies, tour operators, and corporate stakeholders to amplify the campaign.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal stated that a full travel boycott by Indian citizens could inflict serious economic consequences, particularly in the tourism sector. Turkey, which welcomed around 62.2 million international visitors in 2024, saw about 300,000 tourists from India. With each Indian tourist spending roughly $972, the collective Indian contribution to Turkey’s tourism industry is estimated at $291.6 million.

Khandelwal noted that aside from leisure travel, many Indians book Turkey for destination weddings, corporate events, and cultural programmes. A halt to these bookings would further damage Turkey’s hospitality and event management industries.

Azerbaijan, too, stands to face significant losses. The country received 2.6 million tourists last year, with 250,000 from India. Average Indian spending in Azerbaijan was approximately $1,276 per person, totalling nearly $308.6 million. Leisure, weddings, and entertainment remain the top draws for Indian travellers, and CAIT believes a decline in footfall could create a sharp economic dip in those sectors.

The travel boycott has already gained traction across India. Travel booking platforms and agents have reported mass cancellations of trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan. In several cities, local travel associations have stopped promoting or selling packages to these destinations.

In response, the Turkish Department of Tourism issued a statement urging Indian travellers not to cancel their plans. “The vast majority of our population is unaware of any geopolitical conflict involving India. Tourism remains unaffected and safe,” the statement read.

Despite such appeals, CAIT insists economic pressure is the best way to push both Turkey and Azerbaijan to rethink their diplomatic stance. “Financial consequences may compel them to reassess their position on supporting a country that sponsors terrorism,” Khandelwal said.