India, May 9 -- For many Indian travellers, Azerbaijan and Turkey had fast become favourites - with their history, architecture and relatively accessible travel options. But a shift in geopolitical winds is now casting a shadow on holiday plans.

It began in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India's decisive military response to the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The operation targeted terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sending a strong message against cross-border terrorism. In the aftermath, Azerbaijan's foreign ministry issued a statement backing Pakistan, saying, "We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan." Turkey soon followed wit...