Key Points
- After the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, India has intensified economic measures to pressure Pakistan, including a sweeping “Boycott Pakistan” campaign.
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued strict notices to Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce platforms to immediately remove Pakistani flags and merchandise, calling their sale a violation of national sentiment and Indian law.
- Indian traders and citizens are also boycotting Turkish and Azerbaijani goods and tourism in response to these countries’ support for Pakistan, causing a sharp drop in bookings and trade.
- Major travel platforms have suspended bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, and trade bodies are considering ending commercial ties with both nations.
- The economic impact of these boycotts could be significant, especially for Turkey’s tourism and export sectors, which rely heavily on Indian travelers and trade.
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s robust response through Operation Sindoor, the government has launched a multi-pronged economic campaign to hit Pakistan and its allies where it hurts most-their economies. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued formal notices to major e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Ubuy India, Etsy, The Flag Company, and The Flag Corporation, directing them to immediately remove Pakistani flags and related merchandise from their sites.
Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi called the sale of such items “insensitive” and a violation of national sentiment, emphasizing that “such insensitivity will not be tolerated.” The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) had earlier flagged the issue, demanding a ban on the online sale of Pakistani symbols, especially when Indian forces are engaged in critical operations against cross-border terrorism.
Boycott Pakistan Campaign Spreads Across India
The “Boycott Pakistan” movement has gained nationwide traction, with BJP leaders and traders urging citizens to shun Pakistani products, particularly in markets for spices, food items, and textiles. The campaign aims to economically isolate Pakistan, whose fragile economy is already under severe strain due to India’s suspension of trade and water-sharing agreements, as well as ongoing international pressure.
Economic Measures: Beyond Symbolism
India’s punitive economic actions go far beyond consumer boycotts. Following the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, halted all direct and indirect trade, and imposed a complete ban on Pakistani imports and exports. These measures are designed to cripple Pakistan’s already struggling economy and send a clear message that “Terror and trade cannot go together,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated.
Turkey and Azerbaijan Also Face Indian Boycott
The campaign has expanded to include Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which openly supported Pakistan during the recent conflict. Indian anger has been fueled by reports of Turkish-origin drones being used by Pakistan against Indian targets. As a result, Indian travelers are cancelling trips in record numbers, with bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan dropping by 60% and cancellations surging 250% in just one week. Major travel companies like Ixigo and MakeMyTrip have suspended or discouraged bookings to these destinations, and trade bodies are considering the termination of commercial agreements.
In 2024, nearly 3.3 lakh Indians visited Turkey, spending an estimated $350–400 million. The travel boycott alone could cost Turkey nearly $300 million in lost tourism revenue, with further losses expected in trade and investment.
Traders and Industry Respond Swiftly
Indian businesses have begun pulling Turkish and Azerbaijani products from shelves, and fruit traders in Pune have stopped sourcing Turkish apples. The CAIT is leading efforts to coordinate a nationwide boycott, warning that continued support for Pakistan will have “severe economic consequences” for these countries.
National Sentiment Drives Action
The boycott campaigns are not just political-they reflect a groundswell of public anger and patriotism. Social media is awash with calls to boycott Pakistani, Turkish, and Azerbaijani goods, travel, and even cultural products. Influencers, business leaders, and ordinary citizens alike are participating, making this one of the most widespread Track-II (people-driven) diplomatic offensives in recent memory.
India’s economic offensive, driven by both government policy and public sentiment, marks a new phase in its response to cross-border terrorism. As boycotts and bans take hold, the financial impact is expected to be significant-not just for Pakistan, but also for Turkey and Azerbaijan, whose support for Islamabad has come at a steep economic price.
