Operation Sindoor: ‘Boycott Azerbaijan, Turkey' calls take over social media
For many Indian travellers, Azerbaijan and Turkey had fast become favourites — with their history, architecture and relatively accessible travel options. But a shift in geopolitical winds is now casting a shadow on holiday plans.
It began in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India's decisive military response to the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The operation targeted terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sending a strong message against cross-border terrorism. In the aftermath, Azerbaijan's foreign ministry issued a statement backing Pakistan, saying, 'We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan.' Turkey soon followed with similar remarks.
Well, #BoycottAzerbaijan has begun trending across social media platforms, with users demanding why Indian travellers should spend their money in countries that openly support adversaries of the nation. Many not only cancelled trips but also urged fellow citizens to reconsider travel plans, calling for a show of unity through economic choices.
This backlash could derail a growing tourism trend. Turkey welcomed around 2,70,000 Indian tourists in 2024 and was expecting 350,000 visitors in 2025, according to Turkish tourism authorities — a 20.7% year-on-year jump. Those projections may now be under threat.
Several companies in the Indian travel ecosystem have already taken action: Goa Villas, a homestay company, announced it had cut ties with Turkish Airlines and would no longer accommodate Turkish citizens.
EaseMyTrip, one of India's largest travel platforms, advised travellers to avoid Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing security and diplomatic concerns. Pickyourtrail, a customised holiday platform, paused all bookings to both countries as a symbolic move against their public support for Pakistan.
'There's genuine concern among our clients,' said travel agent Loretta Nadar of Made in Banaras, who cancelled a group tour to Azerbaijan and Turkey: 'We refunded everyone and stopped dealing with agents from those regions.'
Even, Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings, said, "Given recent developments, we're pausing all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. We urge Indian travellers to avoid non-essential trips to these destinations until the geopolitical situation becomes clearer and more aligned with national interests.
Not everyone is pressing pause. EK Gupta of Soul Voyage believes this may be a temporary phase. 'Tourists will go where they want. It's their choice. Our job is not to police their travel decisions.'
Meanwhile, some travellers currently in the region report no visible threat on the ground. 'We've been safe and people have been helpful,' said Pratishtha Kaura, currently holidaying in Turkey.
Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure
Confirm your flight status in advance
Carry a valid government photo ID
Follow updated baggage rules (one cabin bag, up to 7kg)
Prepare for heightened security checks under SLPC protocols
Don't cut it close to your flight time
Avoid carrying prohibited items
Don't bring visitors into the terminal
Never skip security instructions, no matter how routine they are
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
22 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Remaining S-400 defence system coming on time, says Russian envoy as he cites India-Pakistan conflict
Russian deputy ambassador Roman Babushkin to New India on Monday said India will receive the remaining regiments of the S-400 strategic air defence missile system by 2026, as scheduled. The S-400 missile system performed well in India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles. There have been talks of an additional batch of the missile system. 'We heard that S-400 performed very efficiently during the situation between India and Pakistan,' Roman Babushkin told news agency PTI. Acknowledging that India and Russia have a long history of collaboration, Roman Babushkin said the air defence systems, 'according to what we are experiencing, the situation in Europe, here, this is one of the promising topics of our partnership in defence preparation in general'. "As far as my knowledge goes, the contract for the remaining S-400 units will be according to the schedule. We are open for a promotion of this partnership for the discussion of the expansion of dialogue on air defence system... I think it will be done in 2025, 2026," he added. India inked a $5.43 billion contract with Russia in 2018 for five regiments. Of the five, three have been deployed along the western and northern fronts, bordering Pakistan and China, respectively. India had received the first regiment in December 2021, while the second and third were delivered in April 2022 and October 2023, respectively. Re-christened as 'Sudarshan Chakra', the S-400 can detect, destroy hostile strategic bombers, jets, spy planes, missiles and drones at a range of 380 kilometres. Going by information shared by the Indian government, the acquisition was to be completed by 2023, The New Indian Express reported, citing unnamed sources. The S-400 system's delivery schedule got delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict which affected supply chains and production, the report added. 'The S-400 Missile is a potent system in terms of its operational capability to provide a continuous and effective air defence system to a very large area. With the induction of this system, air defence capability of the nation will be significantly enhanced,' the ministry of defence had said in a statement in 2021. The S-400 system is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, at varying ranges and altitudes. It consists of three main components: missile launchers, a powerful radar, and a command centre. It is capable of targeting aircraft, cruise missiles, and even high-speed intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The S-400 is seen as a major threat by NATO members due to its impressive long-range capabilities. It can engage almost all types of modern combat aircraft.
Fashion Value Chain
23 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
BHARAT 2030: Tier-II & III Cities Will Shape India's Rs. 10 Lakh Crore Real Estate Future
As India's real estate growth enters a new phase, a silent but significant transformation is underway that is shifting the centre of gravity away from the countrys traditional metros. In his latest strategic report titled 'BHARAT 2030: The Silent Surge of Tier-II and Tier-III Cities', Ashwinder R. Singh-Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee (North), Vice Chairman of BCD Group, and Advisor to NAR India- maps the future trajectory of growth and inclusion in Indian real estate. Ashwinder R. Singh As per the report, the new wave of expansion is not driven by temporary demand overflow, but by long-term structural shifts in aspirations, affordability, and accessibility. Tier II cities like Raipur, Salem, Belagavi, Hosur, Jabalpur, Aurangabad, Tirunelveli, Siliguri, Baddi, Udaipur, and Warangal are emerging as the real engines of India's next growth story. Tier III cities like Ayodhya, Dharwad, Sangli, Haldwani, Ajmer, Barshi, Kharagpur, Nanded, Agartala, and Kollam have historically remained under the radar but are now stepping into the spotlight, building the next Rs. 10 lakh crore of India's real estate economy. Ashwinder R. Singh – Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee (North), Vice Chairman of BCD Group, and Advisor to NAR India, states, 'For decades, India's real estate narrative revolved around the top 7-8 metro cities. But that story is being rewritten. What we're witnessing is not just spillover from saturated metros; it's a fundamental reshaping of the growth landscape. Cities once considered peripheral are now emerging as vibrant hubs for housing, employment, infrastructure, and investment.' The report identifies this shift not as a cyclical deviation from the dominance of metros like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, but as a deeper reordering of India's urban development model. It pinpoints the specific growth corridors that exemplify this transformation. Bhubaneswar is leading the way with walkable neighbourhoods rooted in smart city design and cultural context. Jabalpur and Gwalior are witnessing township-led growth spurred by improved highway networks and air connectivity. Cities like Salem and Tirunelveli are becoming health-tech magnets, following the lead of Coimbatore. In central India, warehousing hubs are emerging in Raipur, Siliguri, and Belagavi, driven by their strategic locations and enhanced connectivity. Industrial corridors in Hosur, Aurangabad, and Pithampur are evolving into EV manufacturing zones, generating demand for both workforce and executive housing. Even the knowledge suburbs of Chandigarh, such as Baddi, Barotiwala, and Derabassi, are transforming from industrial satellites into integrated living ecosystems. Meanwhile, cities like Lucknow and Ayodhya are undergoing a renaissance, fuelled by government investment, institutional development, and spiritual tourism. One of the most powerful insights from Singh's report is that infrastructure in these cities is leading development. Infrastructure in Tier-II and Tier-III cities is becoming the new imperative for Indian real estate, with expressways, regional airports, railways, and metro lines laying the groundwork for expansion. Corporates are entering early, drawn by cost advantages and access to local talent. Land remains both affordable and available, enabling large-scale, community-led developments. Rising household incomes, improved education, and digital reach are driving aspirations upward. Besides, local governments are offering faster approvals and policy support, making these cities more investor-friendly. The growing trend of reverse migration is further accelerating this shift, as people return home in search of a better quality of life. In terms of strategy, the report encourages developers to enter early, focusing on plotted developments, affordable housing, and township models, while partnering with local players and ensuring timely delivery to build trust and value. Investors need to look beyond the herd, identifying locations where infrastructure aligns with policy intent, signalled by upcoming highways, GCCs, rail links, and institutional projects. Policymakers must treat these cities as testing grounds for reform, enabling faster digital approvals, promoting sustainable urban mobility, and incentivising ESG-led development for long-term impact. India@2030 will not be defined solely by the skylines of Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. It will take shape in the quieter, determined rise of Tier II and III cities. This transformation is about more than just economic growth; it's about achieving balance, enabling inclusion, and unlocking opportunity across geographies. About the Author Ashwinder R. Singh is Chairman – of the CII Real Estate Committee (North), Vice Chairman & CEO – BCD Group, and Advisor – NAR India. He has authored three leading industry books, regularly delivers keynotes at top real estate forums, and is widely regarded as one of India's strongest advocates for channel partners and broker networks.
Fashion Value Chain
23 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Kaapi Solutions Secures Exclusive Distribution Rights for Rocket Espresso's Sotto Banco and Doppia Machines in India
Kaapi Solutions, a leading provider of premium coffee equipment and solutions, proudly announces its exclusive distribution rights for Rocket Espresso's latest commercial espresso machines – Rocket Sotto Banco and Rocket Doppia – in India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in bringing world-class espresso craftsmanship to the Indian coffee industry. Mr Vikram Khurana, CEO at Kaapi Solutions Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, Rocket Espresso is a premium espresso machine brand that upholds the Italian tradition of 'Fatto a Mano' – meaning 'made by hand.' With its manufacturing base in Milan, Italy, Rocket Espresso effortlessly combines artisanal expertise with cutting-edge technology, delivering exceptional espresso machines for both home and commercial use. The Rocket Sotto Banco is a state-of-the-art under-counter espresso machine that redefines modern coffee brewing. With a sleek design featuring raised groups that elegantly emerge from the counter, it seamlessly combines aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency, making it an ideal choice for contemporary cafes and coffee bars. This advanced machine features a standard configuration with two or three groups and offers flexibility for expansion with additional modules. It supports USB drive compatibility, enabling seamless software updates that keep the system current and adaptable to evolving needs. Designed with performance in mind, the Sotto Banco features a dry steam system for enhanced milk frothing, providing superior texture and consistency. Its touchpad and separate water keys give baristas precise control, while an OLED timer and a 4.3-inch TFT display on the under-counter module ensure intuitive operation and real-time monitoring. The Rocket Doppia integrates advanced technology with a robust feature set to deliver an unparalleled brewing experience. Engineered for high-performance cafes, this machine combines innovation, precision, and user-friendly design to meet the demands of professional baristas. At the core of the Doppia is a 4.3-inch TFT front panel display, offering an intuitive interface and USB connectivity for seamless software updates. A built-in Wi-Fi module enables programming and control directly through a web browser, allowing for easy remote management and customisation. The machine features pressure transducer-regulated service and brew boilers, ensuring rapid steam recovery-perfect for high-volume operations. With precise temperature control, the Doppia guarantees consistency in every shot. To accommodate a variety of cup sizes, the Rocket Doppia includes an adjustable drip tray with a range of 8.5cm to 12.5cm, providing flexibility and convenience without compromising on performance or design. By securing exclusive distribution rights for Rocket Sotto Banco and Rocket Doppia, Kaapi Solutions reinforces its commitment to revolutionizing India's specialty coffee landscape. These espresso machines set new benchmarks for efficiency, innovation, and craftsmanship, catering to the needs of premium coffee establishments and passionate baristas across the country. 'We are proud to bring a world-class espresso experience to India,' said a spokesperson for The Rocket Espresso. 'Our aim is to inspire and empower a new generation of coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore and embrace the art of premium espresso through our high-performance machines.' 'We are thrilled to partner with Rocket Espresso to introduce these world-class machines in India,' said Mr Vikram Khurana, CEO at Kaapi Solutions. 'Both Sotto Banco and Doppia embody superior engineering and user-centric design, ensuring exceptional coffee quality for professionals and coffee connoisseurs alike.' About Kaapi Solutions Kaapi Solutions, with a robust pan-India presence, brings the finest imported coffee machines to elevate your coffee service and deliver a premium experience to your customers. The brand partners with top-tier global names, offering not only automatic coffee and espresso machines but also high-quality roasters, grinders, ice blenders, cleaning solutions, and a full range of barista tools and accessories. Riding the wave of India's thriving specialty coffee movement, Kaapi Solutions empowers cafe entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders with an elite portfolio that includes Astoria, Rocket, Hamilton Beach, Diedrich, and more. Its cutting-edge equipment has redefined coffee craftsmanship at India's most luxurious five-star properties, including the Taj, Roseate, Marriott, and several others.
