Indian tourists should avoid visiting Turkey, though no advisory is likely, say government sources

Indian tourists should consider avoiding travel to Turkey, as there are concerns that the revenue from tourism generated by Istanbul are indirectly supporting arms transfers to Pakistan, though no formal directive will be issued, government sources said on May 23.

“Tourists should avoid going to Turkey. The money spent by tourists is being used to give arms to Pakistan. Traders are also doing their bit to cut off ties with Turkey, but no government directive will come in this regard,” sources said.

The statement captures heightened sensitivities in India over geopolitical alignments and alleged links between Ankara and Islamabad, particularly in the domain of defence and strategic cooperation.

There is no official travel advisory restricting movement to Turkey, but the cautionary remark from government officials emphasize the public sentiment and trade relations. Some trade associations including Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) have taken independent steps to reduce engagement with Turkish entities, in light of these concerns.