"Mumbai to Turkey flights should not operate at any cost": Shiv Sena

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 23 (ANI): The Shiv Sena party, part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra, urged Indian aviation companies not to operate flights from Mumbai to Turkey, claiming that the tourism revenue given to the country is being "used against India."
"Mumbai to turkey flight should not be operated at any cost, Indian companies like Indigo should at least stay away from such countries who support our enemy countries openly," said Shiv Sena spokesperson and party's social media in-charge Rahool Kanal to mediapersons.
"Providing them transport is pure form of tourism and revenue which they are using against our country," he said.
Kanal had earlier written to Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing "deep concern over Turkey's recent actions supporting Pakistan."
In his letter to the CM, the Shiv Sena spokesperson named four flights being of "particular concern," naming three flights of Turkish Airlines and one of Indigo, which are all leaving early morning to Turkey on May 29.
"Banning these flights would be a fitting response to Turkey's actions, demonstrating India's commitment to national security and sovereignty. I request that these flights be suspended until Turkey clarifies its stance on terrorism and distances itself from supporting Pakistan," the letter added.
In his letter to the Governor, he urged for taking a strong stance against Turkey and suggested that a diplomatic and economic response to serve as a deterrent to other nations "contemplating similar actions"
The potential measures which were suggested were: Diplomatic Action, immediate suspend of diplomatic relations with Turkey; Economic sanctions by restricting trade and investment between the countries; Raising the issues on international forums to build global consensus against Turkey's actions and imposing a tourism ban.
According to Kanal, India accounts for 30 per cent of total tourists in turkey, with over 3 lakh people visiting the country in 2024.
In his letter to party leader and Deputy CM Shinde, he claimed that Mumbai is a significant contributor to the tourism industry, with India being Turkey's biggest visitors and spenders.
"Indians are among Turkey's biggest visitors and spenders. However, until Turkey publicly denounces its support for Pakistan in India's fight against terrorism, I urge the government to consider banning all flight services from Mumbai to Turkey," the letter read.
Earlier on May 22, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India expects Turkiye to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism.
"We expect Turkiye to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades. Relations are built on the basis of sensitivities to each other's concerns," Jaiswal stated.
Following Turkey's alleged support for Pakistan, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security revoked the security clearance of a Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. Celebi has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court against the decision.
Notably, Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi has also said that that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has talked with the Centre regarding the demand to impose a complete ban on Turkish apple imports. (ANI)