India’s powerful military response to the tragic Pahalgam attack — which left 26 innocent civilians dead — has ignited a geopolitical firestorm. The operation, code-named Operation Sindoor, marked a bold and resolute retaliation aimed at terrorist infrastructure operating within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Indian forces successfully neutralized nine key terror bases, a move that significantly escalated tensions not only between India and Pakistan but also between their respective allies on the international stage.
In a development that deepened diplomatic rifts, Turkey and Azerbaijan swiftly issued statements condemning India’s action. Their stance sparked outrage across India. “We condemn military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that killed and injured several civilians,” read a statement from Ankara. “Standing in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, we extend our condolences to the families of the innocent victims and wish speedy recovery to those injured.”
The reactions from Turkey and Azerbaijan — both strong allies of Pakistan — did not sit well with many Indians. The condemnation triggered a wave of anger on social media platforms, with Indian citizens urging a boycott of these countries, particularly Azerbaijan, which had recently seen a boom in tourism from India.
“Azerbaijan (BAKU) and Turkey should now see the strength of Indian sentiment. We should completely remove these destinations from our holiday plans,” wrote X user Anant Ladha. His sentiments were echoed by hundreds of others who took to the platform to vent their frustration.
Alok Jain, another user, pointed out, “No more Baku visits please. In 2024, Azerbaijan witnessed a massive rise in Indian tourists... Let’s show them the power of Indian tourists now!”
A prominent account known as The Skin Doctor suggested Indians should redirect their tourism dollars toward rivals of Turkey and Azerbaijan. “I see no reason why any patriotic Indian should spend their money there. Consider visiting Armenia and Greece instead,” the user advised.
The online backlash soon extended to Indian businesses as well. Goa Villas, a villa rental service in India, announced it would suspend accommodations for Turkish nationals, aligning itself with the growing nationalist sentiment.
Operation Sindoor has not only become a pivotal moment in India's fight against cross-border terrorism, but it has also reshaped public opinion and consumer behavior in unexpected ways. With diplomatic lines hardening and public sentiment flaring, the fallout from the operation is quickly transcending borders — drawing a sharp line between friendship and allegiance in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Amid calls for a boycott of Turkey, Paul Antonopoulos, a Greek journalist and influencer, invited his Indian followers to visit his country. Takingto X on Friday, Antonopulous highlighted the rich vegetarian culinary heritage of Greece. He suggested Indian tourists to try four vegan delicacies : Kolokithokeftedes, Gigantes, Gemista, and Fava.
“Traditional Greek cuisine is VERY vegetarian/vegan friendly. It is also a reflection of Christian Orthodox fasting, where 180-200 days a year people are supposed to fast, which in the Orthodox tradition means consuming no products that come from an animal with blood…” he wrote.
Dropping several pictures of finger-licking vegan food, he wrote bruefly about the dishes. “#1. Kolokithokeftedes - zucchini fritters. #2. Gigantes plaki - Large white beans baked in a tomato sauce. #3. Gemista - Vegetables stuffed with rice and herbs. #4. Fava - Yellow split pea dip with capers and onions…”
Netizens React
Antonopoulos’s post went viral on X, gaining more than 10K likes. Reacting to the post, one user wrote, “To all those Indian tourists who were planning for Turkey, it would be even better if we all explored Greece instead. They have shared history and Greek culture has historical overlaps with Indian culture through trade and people-to-people exchange for centuries.”
Another commented, “Oh, I’ve been to Greece, and it was one of my favorite tours in Europe. So much so that I visited it again after some months. The Mediterranean food in Greece is just..”.
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The reactions from Turkey and Azerbaijan — both strong allies of Pakistan — did not sit well with many Indians. The condemnation triggered a wave of anger on social media platforms, with Indian citizens urging a boycott of these countries, particularly Azerbaijan, which had recently seen a boom in tourism from India.
“Azerbaijan (BAKU) and Turkey should now see the strength of Indian sentiment. We should completely remove these destinations from our holiday plans,” wrote X user Anant Ladha. His sentiments were echoed by hundreds of others who took to the platform to vent their frustration.
Alok Jain, another user, pointed out, “No more Baku visits please. In 2024, Azerbaijan witnessed a massive rise in Indian tourists... Let’s show them the power of Indian tourists now!”
A prominent account known as The Skin Doctor suggested Indians should redirect their tourism dollars toward rivals of Turkey and Azerbaijan. “I see no reason why any patriotic Indian should spend their money there. Consider visiting Armenia and Greece instead,” the user advised.
The online backlash soon extended to Indian businesses as well. Goa Villas, a villa rental service in India, announced it would suspend accommodations for Turkish nationals, aligning itself with the growing nationalist sentiment.
Operation Sindoor has not only become a pivotal moment in India's fight against cross-border terrorism, but it has also reshaped public opinion and consumer behavior in unexpected ways. With diplomatic lines hardening and public sentiment flaring, the fallout from the operation is quickly transcending borders — drawing a sharp line between friendship and allegiance in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Amid calls for a boycott of Turkey, Paul Antonopoulos, a Greek journalist and influencer, invited his Indian followers to visit his country. Takingto X on Friday, Antonopulous highlighted the rich vegetarian culinary heritage of Greece. He suggested Indian tourists to try four vegan delicacies : Kolokithokeftedes, Gigantes, Gemista, and Fava.
“Traditional Greek cuisine is VERY vegetarian/vegan friendly. It is also a reflection of Christian Orthodox fasting, where 180-200 days a year people are supposed to fast, which in the Orthodox tradition means consuming no products that come from an animal with blood…” he wrote.
Dropping several pictures of finger-licking vegan food, he wrote bruefly about the dishes. “#1. Kolokithokeftedes - zucchini fritters. #2. Gigantes plaki - Large white beans baked in a tomato sauce. #3. Gemista - Vegetables stuffed with rice and herbs. #4. Fava - Yellow split pea dip with capers and onions…”
Netizens React
Antonopoulos’s post went viral on X, gaining more than 10K likes. Reacting to the post, one user wrote, “To all those Indian tourists who were planning for Turkey, it would be even better if we all explored Greece instead. They have shared history and Greek culture has historical overlaps with Indian culture through trade and people-to-people exchange for centuries.”Another commented, “Oh, I’ve been to Greece, and it was one of my favorite tours in Europe. So much so that I visited it again after some months. The Mediterranean food in Greece is just..”.
