Azeri think tank head spurns Indian threats of travel boycott and sanctions
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. PHOTO: APP
The head of Azerbaijan’s prominent think tank, the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, Dr Ahmed Shaheer Oghlu, has strongly condemned Indian threats against Baku and voiced unwavering support for Pakistan’s position amid recent diplomatic tensions.
Taking to X, Dr Oghlu responded to reports of Indian tourism companies and lobbies threatening sanctions and travel boycotts against Azerbaijan over its alignment with Pakistan. He urged those issuing such warnings to “read history well” before attempting to intimidate the Azerbaijani nation.
He said, "Those trying to threaten Azerbaijan with embargoes and travel boycotts should read history well! When has this nation ever bowed to pressure? We firmly stand by our brother Pakistan in their just cause, and no political threat can change this stance! Indian tourism companies may call for boycotts and economic pressure, but Baku has already given a very firm and clear response: “We will not abandon our fair stance!”
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Those trying to threaten #Azerbaijan with embargoes and travel boycotts should read history well! When has this nation ever bowed to pressure? We firmly stand by our brother #Pakistan in their just cause, and no political threat can change this stance! Indian tourism…Highlighting the depth of the relationship, he said, “Azerbaijan has never betrayed a brother for personal gain. Every boycott only makes us stronger. We are a nation that defends both our economy and our political independence.”
While acknowledging that boycotts could temporarily impact tourism or commodity exports like rice, Dr Shaheer Oghlu stressed that “honour and brotherhood are eternal.” “If Pakistan hadn’t stood by us before, tomorrow we wouldn’t be able to face ourselves. Long live the Azerbaijan that never sells its brotherhood!” he concluded.
His remarks came in the wake of backlash from Indian citizens and travel agencies following Azerbaijan's expression of support for Pakistan amid the recent conflict. According to a report by Livemint, Indian travel bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have seen a sharp decline, with cancellations increasing by 50% due to boycott calls.
Major travel platforms like MakeMyTrip have reported a 60% drop in new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, with cancellations surging by 250% over the past week. EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have also suspended bookings to these countries, aligning with the nationalistic sentiment prevailing in India.