New Delhi: India on Wednesday blocked Turkey's public broadcaster TRT World for promoting Pakistani propaganda amid the ongoing tensions with the neighbouring country. The development came moments after the Centre withheld X handles of Chinese state media - Global Times and Xihua News - for the same reason.
Notably, in the recent conflict with Pakistan, China and Turkey openly came in support of Islamabad. Notably, Turkey reportedly sent drones to Pakistan, which it used to target Indian civilian and military installations. However, India's air defence system thwarted every drone attack.
Upon opening the TRT World's account in India, the following message is displayed-- "Account Withheld @globaltimesnews has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand."
TRT World's X Handle Blocked By India |
After Ankara's open support to Islamabad against New Delhi, calls to bycott Turkey is growing India. Azaerbaijan also expressed solidarity with Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor.
On May 7, Turkey and Azerbaijan issued statements expressing solidarity with Pakistan and condemning India’s airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. While Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that the operation was a provocative step, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry expressed condolences to the families of people killed in the strikes.
At a press conference, on May 8, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC made a call on Indians to refrain from travelling to Turkey and Azerbaijan for their vacations.
In 2024, Turkey recorded 62 million tourists including 3.36 lakh Indian tourists, which was reported by The Free Press Journal in March 2024. Shaina claimed that the total number of Indians travelling to Turkey and Azerbaijan combined in 2024 was approximately 5.7 lakh.
On the intervening night of May 6 and 7, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack. In retaliation, Pakistan also tried to target Indian civilian and military installations using drones provided by Turkey and missiles. However, India thwarted the Pakistani attack.
On the night of May 9, India launched attacks on several Pakistani air bases. On May 10, both countries agreed to a ceasefire.
