New Delhi: Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan doesn’t seem too concerned about the ongoing ‘Boycott Turkey’ campaign among Indians, not only in India, but across the world. Or maybe, he hasn’t been briefed sufficiently well by his advisors.
On Wednesday, Erdogan responded to Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif’s X post, and assured support to a ‘precious brother’.
Sharif had thanked the Turkish leader for his “strong support and unwavering solidarity” for Pakistan and hailed the “brotherly ties” between the two nations.
“I was deeply touched by the strong support and unwavering solidarity of my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan. Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested and enduring brotherly ties with Turkey, which have grown stronger with each new challenge. I am particularly grateful for His Excellency’s constructive role and resolute efforts to promote peace in South Asia. May the ties between Pakistan and Turkey continue to grow stronger as we work together to build a bright and prosperous future for our two countries and peoples,” Sharif posted.
Erdogan replied that the two countries shared a bond enjoyed by very few nations, which is an example of “true friendship.”
“My precious brother, The brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan, which is enjoyed by very few nations in the world, is one of the best examples of true friendship. As Türkiye, we attach great importance to the peace, tranquility and stability of Pakistan. We appreciate the sensible, patient policy of the Pakistani state, which prioritizes dialogue and compromise in resolving disputes. We will continue to be by your side in good and bad times, as we have in the past and in the future. Through you, I greet our friendly and brotherly Pakistan with my most heartfelt affection,” Erdogan responded.
Indians across the world have called for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan after their public support of Pakistan in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor.
India has provided evidence that Turkish Songar and Yiha-III drones were used against India by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. It has now come to be known that Turkey supplied over 350 drones (including Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles or UCAVs) to Pakistan even after the Pahalgam terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 that killed 26 persons, mostly tourists from across the country.
Indians have not only called for a boycott of Turkish products, but also a ban on tourism to the country. Turkey was fast emerging as a destination for high-end Indian tourists. Turkey, on the brink of economic collapse, is heavily dependent on tourism.
Tour agents have also started taking steps. Ixigo, a travel and booking platform, declared that it suspended all flights and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan and China.