Decline in Indian Tourists to Turkey and Azerbaijan Post Operation Sindoor
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Overview of Operation Sindoor
The Indian government officially paused Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025, following revelations about Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan during conflicting tensions. This diplomatic shift has led to significant consequences for travel from India to these nations.
Significant Drop in Tourist Numbers
Data analyzed by CNN-News18 reveals that there has been a dramatic 63% decrease in Indian tourists visiting Azerbaijan between June and December 2025, compared to the same months in 2024. Similarly, Turkey experienced a 34% decline in Indian visitors during the same period.
Azerbaijan and Turkey Tourism Statistics
In 2024, around 153,000 Indian tourists traveled to Azerbaijan; however, this number plummeted to approximately 57,000 in the subsequent year. Likewise, Turkey saw a decrease from 205,000 Indian tourists in 2024 to about 135,000 in 2025, marking a continuous monthly decline since June 2025.
Impact of Turkey’s Actions on Tourism
The Turkish government’s support for Pakistan, especially following the exposure of Turkish-made drones utilized against India, has fueled a “Boycott Turkey” campaign within India. Major travel portals, including MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip, have stopped promoting tourist packages for Turkey.
India’s Diplomatic Response
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the diplomatic ramifications during his visit to Cyprus in June 2025. His tour included stops at significant sites symbolizing the region’s division, reinforcing India’s position against nations aligned with Pakistan, such as Turkey and Azerbaijan.
International Support Dynamics
In parliament, PM Modi noted that only three UN member countries—Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan—supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This situation exemplifies the complicated international relationships affecting tourism and bilateral ties.
Future of Tourism to Azerbaijan and Turkey
Prior to the diplomatic tensions, Azerbaijan had identified India as a key market for its tourism sector, with Indian arrivals dramatically increasing in 2024. However, 2025 has marked a stark contrast as the drop in Indian tourists continues to challenge the tourism industries of both Turkey and Azerbaijan.
