India’s ‘Big Ban’: How Trade, Travel, and Business Ties with Pakistan and Its Allies Are Being Cut

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: In a sweeping response to the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent support from Pakistan’s allies during Operation Sindoor, India is executing a wide-ranging economic, commercial, and diplomatic boycott targeting Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The moves reflect a growing national sentiment to isolate those perceived to be sympathetic to Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism.

Trade Hit Hard:

On May 2, the Indian government issued a directive prohibiting all Pakistani imports, including indirect shipments routed through third countries. Trade officials estimate that indirect imports from Pakistan amount to nearly $500 million annually. In a symbolic yet strategic move, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) also declared a halt to all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

India-Turkey bilateral trade, valued at $10.4 billion in FY 2023–24, is already feeling the heat. Indian importers have begun avoiding Turkish goods such as apples, marble, and jewellery. In cities like Lucknow, jewelers are consciously phasing out Turkish jewellery, once a luxury staple.

Consumer and E-Commerce Crackdown:

India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority has directed online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Etsy to stop sales of Pakistani flags and related merchandise. Retail platforms including Myntra and Ajio have either paused or delisted Turkish apparel brands such as Trendyol, LC Waikiki, and Koton. A representative from Myntra said the decision was driven by “prevailing national sentiment and policy alignment.”

Airports and Aviation:

The aviation ministry revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Hava Servisi AS, effectively halting its ground-handling operations across nine major Indian airports. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad have also terminated contracts with the company.

Simultaneously, Air India has reportedly urged the government to prevent IndiGo from extending its aircraft leasing and codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing national security concerns.

Tourism Nosedives:

Tourism to Turkey and Azerbaijan has witnessed a steep decline. According to MakeMyTrip, bookings dropped by 60% while cancellations rose 250% week-on-week following the diplomatic fallout. Travel firms like Ixigo, Cox & Kings, and EaseMyTrip have suspended travel services and promotions to both countries.

A MakeMyTrip spokesperson stated, “We strongly support this sentiment and advise against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey.”

Cultural Cold Shoulder:

In the entertainment sector, images of Pakistani actors have been removed from Indian promotional content, while CAIT has appealed to Bollywood production houses to stop shooting films in Turkey. Furthermore, Indian authorities have restricted access to YouTube channels associated with Pakistani celebrities, including cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, and blocked thousands of social media accounts tied to Pakistani media narratives.

The moves represent a rare, coordinated multi-sector boycott that reflects both a policy shift and a broader nationalist mood. While critics debate the long-term economic cost, government and trade bodies appear committed to using India’s market power as diplomatic leverage.