The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Wednesday appealed to Indian artistes and producers to boycott Türkiye as a shooting destination in the wake of its pro-Pakistan stance.
Later in the day, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also announced a complete boycott of Türkiye for film shoots and other cultural collaborations.
This development comes after Türkiye criticised India's strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, codenamed Operation Sindoor, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. Islamabad had also used Turkish drones in the conflict.
Following its support for Pakistan, calls for boycotting Turkish goods and tourism have surfaced across India, with online travel platforms like EaseMyTrip and ixigo issuing advisories against visiting the country.
"The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex body representing 36 crafts of workers, technicians, and artists in the Indian media and entertainment industry, strongly urges all Indian film producers to reconsider choosing Turkey as a shooting destination in light of its growing support towards Pakistan on matters that deeply concern India's national interests," the FWICE said in statement.
"We therefore appeal to all production houses, line producers, actors, directors, and crew members across the Indian film fraternity to stand in solidarity with the nation and boycott Turkey as a location for film shoots until such time that the country revisits its diplomatic stance and aligns with principles of mutual respect and non-interference," the statement added.
The FWICE explained that it hoped the Indian film fraternity would "respect this appeal in the larger national interest".
In a press release shared on X, the AICWA stated that no Bollywood or Indian film project would be shot in Türkiye, effective immediately. No Indian producers, production houses, directors, or financiers would be allowed to film movies, television series, or digital content projects to the country, it added.
PRESS RELEASE
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) May 14, 2025
All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Announces Complete Boycott of Turkey for Film Shoots and Cultural Collaborations
Mumbai, India – May 14, 2025: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry’s workers,… pic.twitter.com/ghL345rd2x
"Turkish actors, filmmakers, production houses, and other creative professionals will no longer be permitted to work in the Indian entertainment industry. Any existing contracts or agreements with Turkish entities must be reviewed and, where possible, terminated."
The AICWA will closely monitor the activities of Indian film professionals and organisations to ensure compliance with this directive, with strict action to be taken against any individual or entity found violating its decision, it added.
Not only Türkiye, India's trade relations with Azerbaijan is also expected to come under strain due to Baku backing Islamabad and condemning India's recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.