Amid boycott calls for Turkey, PM Modi says more Indians choosing domestic vacations

During “Mann Ki Baat”, Modi said that a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding ‘Vocal for Local’.

Updated on: May 25, 2025, 21:55:11 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that after Operation Sindoor, several families have vowed to spend their vacation in India in recognition of ‘vocal for local’ calls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding ‘Vocal for Local’. (ANI)

During his monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat”, the prime minister said that a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding ‘Vocal for Local’.

“After this campaign, a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding ‘Vocal for Local’. Many things touch the heart. A parent remarked, “We will now buy toys only made in India, for our children. Patriotism will start from childhood.” Some families have taken a pledge, “We will spend our next vacation in some beautiful place in the country.” Many young persons have taken a pledge to ‘Wed in India’… that they would get married in the country itself,” the prime minister said.

Also Read | PM Modi lauds Operation Sindoor in Mann Ki Baat, shares visuals of damaged Pak terror hideouts

“Someone also said, “Now whatever gift we will give, it will be made by an Indian artisan”, he added.

The remarks come amid reports that Indian travellers have decided to avoid travelling to Turkey and Azerbaijan following the outrage among Indians over the public support shown by both countries for Pakistan over India's Operation Sindoor. Pakistan also used Turkish drones on a large scale during the military conflict with India.

Visa applications to Turkey, Azerbaijan drop sharply

Earlier this week, visa processing platform Atlys said that Indian travellers have responded swiftly by deciding to avoid travelling to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Within just 36 hours, the platform noted 60 per cent of users exiting the visa application process midway, it said on May 20.

“The reaction wasn't scattered, it was sharp and behavioural. People didn't need to be told to avoid certain destinations. They simply moved on, guided by instinct, information, and access to alternatives,” PTI quoted Atlys founder and CEO Mohak Nahta as saying.

"That's what modern travel looks like. It's emotionally intelligent, logistically agile, and backed by platforms that let people act fast. In the same spirit, we also paused all marketing efforts for Turkey and Azerbaijan, standing by India and in solidarity with national sentiment," Mehta added.

Citing the “current geopolitical situation” involving Turkey, several educational institutes, including IIT Bombay, suspended their agreement with Turkish universities.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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