Geopolitics and commerce often find themselves on a collision course. The India-Turkey relationship in 2025 exemplifies this clash. Even as Turkish Airlines aggressively expands its footprint in India’s booming aviation market, Ankara’s increasing tilt toward Islamabad is pushing the limits of diplomatic tolerance in New Delhi.
After the 2025 Pahalgam terror incident, India’s foreign ministry was swift to condemn not only Pakistan but also its supporters. Turkey’s official defense of Pakistan’s position was seen by many in India as a strategic provocation. Turkish-Pakistani military drills, arms deals, and shared intelligence cooperation have added layers of suspicion in India’s strategic circles.
Yet, paradoxically, one of the fastest-growing aspects of bilateral engagement is commercial aviation. Turkish Airlines is among the few foreign carriers that sees India not just as a market, but as a long-term strategic hub. The airline currently operates 14 weekly flights between India and Istanbul and has applied to double that number. Its ambition is to become a preferred choice for Indian travelers headed to Europe and beyond.
This commercial optimism, however, may be short-lived.
Public sentiment in India has turned sharply against Turkey. The perception that Ankara is aiding Pakistan—India’s key adversary—has prompted calls for economic retaliation. Online campaigns promoting a boycott of Turkish goods, tourism, and services have gained massive traction. Leading Indian business voices have even quantified the potential damage—Indian travelers could withdraw over ₹4,000 crore annually from Turkey’s economy.
Travel agencies across the country are witnessing this shift firsthand. Bookings to Turkey have plummeted. Agencies in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are actively advising clients to consider alternate destinations like Greece, Thailand, and even Egypt.
Indian officials are taking note. While aviation ties haven’t been formally cut, there is increasing talk in policy circles about using bilateral air service agreements as a diplomatic tool. Turkey’s fate in Indian skies may soon be determined as much by its foreign policy as by commercial merit.
The contradiction is hard to ignore. A nation supplying advanced military gear to Pakistan, including drones, corvettes, and battlefield systems, is also vying for access to India’s largest international airports. For now, the contradiction stands—but its future remains uncertain.
If Turkey wishes to maintain its commercial standing in India, particularly in sensitive sectors like aviation, it may have to tone down its pro-Pakistan rhetoric and demonstrate a more balanced regional posture.
