India's Trader Body CAIT Calls For Boycott Of Travel To Turkey, Azerbaijan Over Support To Pakistan

The Confederation of All India Traders, with 40,000 aligned associations and 80 to 90 million members, has urged Indian citizens and traders to boycott travel to

Turkey and Azerbaijan, countries that have overtly supported Pakistan during India's 'Operation Sindoor', India'sstrategic military strikes against terror infrastructure in that country. Turkey is reported to have supplied defence equipment during the short conflict.

The traders’ apex body has called the boycott a necessary economic step to oppose nations perceived to be aligned against India’s interests.

CAIT said that it plans to extend its ongoing boycott campaign, previously focused on Chinese goods, to these two nations. B C Bhartia, president of CAIT told Free Press Journal that the confederation is meeting in New Delhi on May 16 to decide  the next phase of the boycott campaign.

"We have spoken to tour operators who have agreed to stop booking holiday packages to these countries. They have agreed," said Bhartia.

According to CAIT, 300,000 Indian tourists visit Turkey annually. Another 250,000 Indians travel to Azerbaijan from India. With each Indian tourist spending roughly $972, the collective Indian contribution to Turkey’s tourism industry is estimated at $291.6 million, CAIT has estimated. Turkey is a top choice for 'destination weddings' and corporate events for Indians. An Indian visitor spent an average of  $1,276 per person in Azerbaijan, adding nearly $308.6 million to annual GDP.

The Turkish Department of Tourism is reported to have 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.