India, May 13 -- Last year, over half a million Indians flew to Turkey and Azerbaijan, many for big-ticket weddings, luxury getaways, or corporate retreats. If not the biggest, the Turkey and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region is one of the most sought after travel destinations among Indians.

Turkey alone attracted about 300,000 Indian travelers last year. Azerbaijan saw more than 240,000.

However, in May 2025, travel agencies like Ixigo, Pickyourtrail and Cox & Kings abruptly suspended all bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. The trigger: both countries had publicly backed Pakistan in its cross-border standoff against India.

Notably, Turkey and Azerbaijan aren't marginal markets. They are two of the most profitable dest...