Indian Arrivals to Azerbaijan Drop by 66% After Op Sindoor: Report
The recent public stance taken by Azerbaijan in support of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor has had a significant impact on Indian tourism to the country. According to official figures accessed by News18, Indian tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan plummeted by a staggering 66% in June 2025, dropping from over 28,000 a year ago to just 9,934 this year.
The decline in Indian tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan is a significant blow to the country’s tourism industry, which was previously booming. The country had been aggressively promoting itself as a tourist destination, especially among Indians, with its unique cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cities. However, the public support shown by Azerbaijan for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by the Indian Army to neutralize Pakistan-based terrorists, has led to a widespread travel boycott in India.
Indian tourism to Turkey, another popular destination in the region, has also declined significantly. Turkey had been a favorite among Indian tourists, with its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities. However, with the diplomatic row between India and Turkey over the latter’s support for Pakistan, Indian tourism to Turkey has taken a hit. According to reports, Indian tourist arrivals to Turkey dropped by over 50% in June 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The decline in Indian tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan and Turkey is a significant blow to the tourism industries of both countries. The Indian tourist market is one of the largest and most lucrative in the world, with millions of Indians traveling abroad every year. The countries that have traditionally been popular among Indian tourists, such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, have been reaping the benefits of this trend.
However, with the diplomatic row between India and Azerbaijan, Indian tourists are now shunning Azerbaijan in favor of other destinations. The country’s tourism industry is likely to suffer significant losses as a result of this decline. Azerbaijan’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, but tourism is also an important sector, with the country attracting millions of tourists every year.
The decline in Indian tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan is also a significant blow to the country’s relations with India. The two countries have traditionally enjoyed strong diplomatic ties, with Azerbaijan being one of the few Muslim-majority countries to have strong ties with India. However, the public support shown by Azerbaijan for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor has strained these ties, and the decline in Indian tourist arrivals is a reflection of this.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has been aggressively promoting itself as a tourist destination, especially among Indians. The country has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure, with new hotels, resorts, and attractions being built every year. However, the decline in Indian tourist arrivals is likely to impact these efforts, and the country’s tourism industry is likely to suffer as a result.
In conclusion, the decline in Indian tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan and Turkey is a significant blow to the tourism industries of both countries. The public support shown by Azerbaijan for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor has led to a widespread travel boycott in India, and Indian tourists are now shunning Azerbaijan in favor of other destinations. The countries that have traditionally been popular among Indian tourists, such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, have been reaping the benefits of this trend.
