Operation Sindoor Boycott Effect: Turkey Takes The Brunt, Indian Tourists Down 24% This May
Last Updated:
Official Turkey tourism figures show that against 41,554 tourists from India, who went to the country last year, the number is down to 31,659 this May
Indian tourists going to Turkey saw a sharp 24 per cent drop in May as compared to the same month last year – a month when tourism to the country is at its peak.
Against 41,554 tourists from India, who went to Turkey last year, the number is down to 31,659 this May, official Turkey tourism figures show.
This comes in the backdrop of Turkey's role in aiding Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which came to light on May 9 when India revealed that Turkish-made drones were used by its neighbouring country for an attack.
The debris recovered by India showed that these were SONGAR ASISGUARD drones of Turkey. This is the first national armed drone that has been used by the Turkish armed forces.
It prompted boycott calls for Turkey in India and travel portals like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip and Cleartrip said they will not promote Turkey tourist packages. The impact of the same is slowly but surely showing as only 31,659 Indian tourists visited Turkey this May as compared to 41,554 in May last year.
May and June are peak tourism months for Indians to go on a vacation. Last year, the number of Indian tourists to Turkey went up from 31,934 in April to 41,554 in May and stood at 38,307 in June. This year, however, the number of tourists visiting Turkey in May was 31,659 — almost the same as 30,169 last month. The figures in 2025 could be worse for June as the full boycott impact shows up.
'Indian tourists usually book their vacations much in advance so the real impact of the drop in tourism may have only shown in the second half of May. June could be worse on this front for Turkey," a senior government official told News18.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Cyprus while enroute to Canada for the G7 Summit. This was a major message to Turkey as that country has had a long-standing border dispute with Turkey.
Modi and the President of Cyprus visited the historic centre of Nicosia, where they were given a guided tour along the United Nations ceasefire line, a symbol of the island's long-standing division. The President also showed Modi the mountainous region in northern Cyprus, which has remained under Turkish occupation since 1974.
India strongly suspects that Turkey supplied drones to Pakistan when a C-130E Hercules Turkish plane had landed in Karachi on April 28, less than a week after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. On April 30, a high-ranking Turkish military and intelligence delegation, headed by Lt Gen Yasar Kadioglu, visited the Pakistan Air Force headquarters in Islamabad and met the chief of staff.
Even in its stance and statements after the Pahalgam terror strike, the Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken a full pro-Pakistan line. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir also visited Turkey to thank Erdoğan for support during tensions with India during Operation Sindoor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Air India begins resumption of flights as Middle East airspace gradually reopens, ET Infra
Advt Government monitoring situation closely — RamMNK (@RamMNK) — IndiGo6E (@IndiGo6E) By , ETInfra Air India has started restoring international flight operations following recent disruptions caused by airspace closures across parts of the Middle East. The closures, triggered by escalating regional tensions, led to cancellations, diversions, and delays of several international a statement, Air India said it would progressively resume flights to the Middle East starting June 24, with most operations expected to return from June 25. The airline also confirmed that flights to and from Europe, which had earlier been cancelled, are being reinstated. Services to the East Coast of the United States and Canada will resume at the earliest available opportunity.'Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended reroutings or flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity,' an Air India spokesperson said. 'We will continue to avoid airspaces assessed as unsafe at any given time.'Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the government is monitoring the situation continuously and is coordinating with airlines.'Given recent geopolitical developments and the closure of airspace over countries, Indian carriers have been compelled to cancel or reroute several flights to ensure operational safety,' the minister said in a post on social media platform X. 'Every effort is being made to minimise disruption and inconvenience.'Over the past few days, several Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air suspended or diverted flights due to airspace restrictions over Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. The restrictions followed missile strikes by Iran on US military installations in Qatar, after US airstrikes on Iranian has also resumed some of its Middle East operations, stating it continues to evaluate flight paths for secure travel. Other Indian carriers acknowledged that delays and changes in schedules may persist.
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
H-1B visa holder? Here's what you must know before a planning a long stay outside the US
What H-1B visa holders must know before leaving the US. A recent viral social media post has raised fresh concerns among H-1B visa holders, particularly those planning extended trips abroad. The post claims that three Indian professionals were denied re-entry to the US after staying in India for more than two months. All three were reportedly stopped at the US pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi, where their visas were cancelled under 22 CFR 41.122(h)(3) — a regulation that allows US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to revoke visas at their discretion. While the US government has not officially confirmed these cases, the incident has led to confusion about whether there is now an informal limit on how long H-1B holders can remain outside the country. Here's a closer look at the rules, eligibility, and what travelers should keep in mind. H-1B travel rules: What you need to know The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, typically for a period of three to six years. While there is no official rule that restricts H-1B holders from staying outside the US for more than 60 days, US border authorities retain wide discretionary powers. If officers believe that the visa holder has abandoned their job in the US or cannot provide sufficient proof of continued employment, they can revoke the visa on the spot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Suomalaiset eivät ole tietoisia tästä vähän tunnetusta edusta Aurinkopaneelit | Haku mainoksia Undo This is especially true at the US pre-clearance facilities — like the one in Abu Dhabi — where immigration checks occur before boarding the flight. Officers at these checkpoints have the authority to deny boarding and cancel visas if they determine that the visa's terms are no longer being met. So while the "60-day rule" isn't codified in law, it reflects a practical risk threshold that visa holders are now increasingly wary of crossing. What keeps your H-1B status intact? To maintain valid H-1B status, a person must continue working for their sponsoring US employer or be able to clearly demonstrate an ongoing employer-employee relationship. This holds true even during temporary stays outside the United States, including periods of remote work. Short-term remote work or emergency travel abroad may not necessarily violate visa conditions, but travelers must be well-prepared to prove that their US employment was never discontinued or abandoned. Immigration officers may question the intent or status upon re-entry — especially after prolonged absences — and decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis. To reduce the risk of issues at the port of entry, H-1B visa holders should carry: Recent pay stubs to prove continued employment and salary payments. A valid I-797 approval notice, confirming the terms of the current H-1B employment. A detailed employment verification letter from the sponsoring company. Any attorney-issued documentation affirming lawful status and remote work permissions. Even with these documents, officers may scrutinize the situation if the time abroad seems excessive or unaccounted for. That's why the key to eligibility isn't just having a visa stamp — it's being able to prove that your US job is still active and ongoing, no matter where you physically are. What not to do while you're away Traveling to India or any other country is permitted under the H-1B visa, but extended stays without adequate documentation or preparation can lead to serious complications — including denial of re-entry or visa cancellation. To avoid such outcomes, H-1B holders should keep the following points in mind: Do not stay abroad for more than 60 days unless you have consistent proof of employment, such as pay slips and active job responsibilities. Never assume that a valid visa stamp guarantees re-entry. US immigration officers assess your current job status — not just the visa validity. Avoid using US pre-clearance airports (e.g., Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Toronto) when returning after an extended stay. These locations have stricter screening, and officers there can cancel visas before you board the flight. Don't rely solely on an employer letter. While important, it is not enough by itself. Supporting documents like I-797 forms, tax records, and legal affidavits help build a stronger case. If your return to the US follows a long absence, travel only after preparing a full documentation set that proves your continued employment and compliance with H-1B conditions. Skipping this step can lead to last-minute surprises — and even being turned away before boarding. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Discover The Timeless Charm Of Jaipur's Unchanged Street After 50 Years
Jaipur City, a metropolis of India, is filled with vibrance, life, and culture. It is well-known for hosting numerous forts and markets that showcase extraordinary Indian heritage. Over the years, the city has changed a lot. Yet, no matter how much the city changes, there is one road that showcases the old Indian charm perfectly. It is tucked away in the city center and reminds the beholder of the infinite beauty and history of Jaipur. The intersection seems to have halted time, giving a view of the extraordinary bygone times of the city. 1.A Walk Down Memory Lane This road lies in the center of the main walled city, and remains a quiet path that has not changed in over fifty years. Different from the commercial and modernized parts of Jaipur, this road has its own, untouched character. The buildings, shops, and even the overall lifestyle distinguish this area from the rest of the city. The moment you step in this road, it seems like you teleport back in time, forgetting all the pandemonium of the world. The road is accompanied by ancient havelis (traditional mansions) with beautiful sculptures and impressive paintings. These havelis, that used to belong to rich traders and aristocrats, now act as mute witnesses to the city. The Jaipur havelis now in ruins have weather beaten walls that define the time when Jaipur was abundant in trade and culture. The majority of these havelis are occupied by the relatives of the original residents who prefer keeping their inheritance alive instead of succumbing to redevelopment. Unfading Crafts And Variety Shops The astonishing feature of the street is its shops, most of which have operated for generations. These businesses, which are predominantly family owned, focus on items and crafts which are part of Jaipur's heritage. The street boasts a rich culture in textiles and crafts, so it's no surprise that lace bangles, expertly painted miniatures, and stunning jewelry can also be found. Artisans continuously perfect their craft in time-honored fashions as the techniques in Jaipur India have been preserved for decades. One is immediately transported into a museum upon witnessing how they work. The block printers tapping with a perfect rhythm, the miniature painters with their precise brush strokes, and the jewelers with their impeccable detailing are all reminders of the effort and skill put into these pieces. These creations serve as proof of Jaipur's diverse culture as the artisans take immeasurable pride in their work. remains largely unchanged Apart from these pieces, it is the people's way of life that also makes this street unique, a way of life that has remained consistent for years on end. Life here is lived at a calmer pace allowing locals to enjoy their day without being overwhelmed by the fast-paced modern life. Kids frolicking in the streets, the smell of delicious home-made food drifting in the air, and neighbors coming together after a long day to enjoy chai while engaging in friendly conversations all help foster a sense of community where everyone is friendly and knows one another. It is a place that values tradition and allows for a simple and contented life. On the street, you can also find ancient temples and shrines intricately woven into the fabric of the community. These centers of worship serve as not only sacred spaces, but also as communal hubs where the people come together to observe festivals and other important events. The rituals and customs conducted here have stayed unchanged through the centuries which add to the timelessness of the street culture. 4.A Break from Modernity This street is a blessing for those living in a city that is expanding and modernizing at a rapid pace. It is a place that serves as an escape from the blaring noise of the urban foreground whilst allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the older days. Strolling through the street evokes a sense of nostalgia, including for people that have never been there. It is proof for how life used to be simpler, where people were more in touch with nature and each other. Right Decision To Take One charming aspect of the street is that it has remained unchanged for a long time. This raises concern for its future. With Jaipur growing, this street, too, is at risk of succumbing to development. So preserving it goes beyond just leaving it be. It necessitates the protection of local life and customs. Steps need to be taken to ensure that this street can be enjoyed by the future generations too. The Final Thoughts The one street in Jaipur that hasn't changed in 50 years is more than just a physical space; it is a living, breathing embodiment of the city's history and culture. The incredible amalgamation of modern and historical cultures provides people with an enticing opportunity to explore and connect with a world that is quickly fading away. People from all over the world are able to appreciate Jaipur in a completely new light. As the city embraces modernization, the street stands tall, reminded of the beauty of stillness and tradition.
