Turkey’s Open Support to Pakistan Sparks Boycott Movement in India
After the recent terrorist attack on Indian soldiers in Pahalgam, India launched a strong retaliatory mission named Operation Sindhu. In the midst of this tense situation, Turkey’s open support for Pakistan has drawn widespread criticism and backlash in India.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, showing no concern for the growing boycott movement in India, declared on social media that Turkey will always stand by Pakistan “in good times and bad.” His statements were soon followed by actions that reaffirmed Turkey’s military and diplomatic alliance with Pakistan. A Turkish Air Force C-130 transport aircraft landed in Pakistan shortly after India issued a warning of retaliation, and a Turkish warship docked at Karachi port. Although Turkey claimed these actions were part of a “goodwill mission,” many saw them as symbolic military support.
Further adding to tensions, Turkey-backed SONGAR drones were reportedly used by Pakistan to launch targeted attacks against Indian military positions. These drones, developed in Turkey, have been seen as a significant threat in the region due to their precision and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Turkey not only supplied arms but allegedly also sent military personnel to assist Pakistan. Reports have surfaced that two Turkish soldiers were killed during Operation Sindhu, indicating direct involvement in the conflict. This comes despite India’s prior goodwill gestures — notably in 2023, when a massive earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, India conducted Operation Dost to send relief supplies and emergency aid.
Now, in stark contrast, Turkey has become the first country to officially condemn Operation Sindhu, openly supporting Pakistan’s demand for an international inquiry into the Pahalgam attack. Even as other Gulf nations have distanced themselves from Pakistan’s narrative, Turkey has chosen to deepen its ties with Islamabad.
This pro-Pakistan stance has not gone down well with Indians. The hashtag #BoycottTurkey has been trending strongly across social media platforms. Indian traders have begun rejecting Turkish imports — notably apples, which were recently returned in bulk. Turkey is also one of the largest exporters of marble to India, accounting for over 70% of Indian imports in that sector. Indian importers have now announced a complete halt to Turkish marble imports, resulting in an estimated ₹1,500 crore (approx. $180 million) trade loss for Turkey.
Moreover, tourism to Turkey from India has plummeted. There has been a 250% increase in cancellations of Turkish travel bookings. On the academic front, Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University has terminated its Memorandum of Understanding with a Turkish university in protest of Erdoğan’s remarks and Turkey’s stand.
Despite these developments, Erdoğan remains firm in his commitment to Pakistan. He has stated that Turkey’s relationship with Pakistan reflects a “brotherhood beyond politics.” In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude and said that the relationship between the two nations strengthens with every new challenge.
While Turkey and Pakistan emphasize Islamic unity and shared values, many Indians now view Turkey as a nation that has betrayed friendship and supported terrorism. As a result, Turkey is facing increasing diplomatic and economic isolation from India — a situation that could have long-term consequences.
