A resolution passed at a meeting at Chamber Bhavan on Monday announced that travel agents and tour operators associated with the FJCCI will cease marketing, packaging, and ticketing of tours to Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The members also discouraged Indian travelers from visiting either country.

“Trade and terrorism cannot coexist,” asserted Shailesh Agrawal, Chairman of the Chamber’s Tourism Sub-Committee. “Any nation that undermines India’s interests should not be engaged commercially.”

Shravan Rajgadia, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Sub-Committee, emphasized the wealth of domestic tourist destinations in India that deserve more attention. “Let’s focus on promoting internal tourism and investing in our own economy,” he urged.

FJCCI President Paresh Gattani took a stronger stance, urging entrepreneurs and business leaders to halt all import and export dealings with Türkiye and Azerbaijan. He contrasted India’s prompt humanitarian response to Türkiye’s earthquake relief efforts with the political disregard shown by these nations. “India was among the first to send aid and medical teams. This goodwill has been overlooked for geopolitical gain.”

“This goes beyond foreign policy; it’s about our national integrity. As responsible citizens and entrepreneurs, we must respond economically,” Gattani declared.

FJCCI Secretary General Aditya Malhotra encouraged traders to avoid stocking or promoting products from the two countries, suggesting that ongoing economic disengagement could apply tangible pressure on their tourism and hospitality industries. He also called on the Indian government to consider formal trade restrictions.

Local travel agents from Lohardaga, such as Kaushal Mittal, reported that they have already initiated the boycott at the district level.

The meeting saw attendance from senior FJCCI officials, including Vice-President Rahul Sabu, Treasurer Rohit Agrawal, Executive Members Mukesh Agrawal, Sanjeev Poddar, Poonam Anand, Ramesh Sahu, and Manoj Mishra, among others. Notable travel agencies represented included Paul Travels, Eastern Travels, Fun & Flying, Sai Tours & Travels, Drishti Travels, Golden Peacock Travels, Mittal Travels, and Surya Travels (Jamshedpur).

The Chamber plans to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign across its networks to effectively implement the boycott.

During his interaction with the soldiers of the Konark Corps, the Army Chief expressed his admiration with a spirited “Shabash!”, recognizing their courage, steadfast commitment, and determination in safeguarding the International Boundary. He praised the troops for their vigilance and effective responses, particularly in neutralizing enemy drone incursions, which thwarted any potential adversarial actions in the desert region.

The COAS also lauded the professionalism, high morale, and coordinated execution of operational strategies among commanders and units. He emphasized the Army’s enduring tradition of honor and its preparedness to tackle future challenges decisively, reaffirming the commitment to national sovereignty and maintaining high operational readiness in an evolving security landscape.

Acknowledging the resilience of service members enduring the harsh desert conditions during peak summer, the Army Chief conveyed his and the Nation’s deep appreciation for their unwavering dedication to national objectives.

The desert area stretching from Jaisalmer to the Kutch region saw a swift and coordinated operational response from the Indian Army, IAF, and BSF. These joint actions not only thwarted enemy ambitions but also established a new standard for operational dominance along the western front. As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army implemented rapid deployment of surveillance assets and air defense systems in close collaboration with the IAF and BSF. The strategic positioning of weapon systems, coupled with support from civil administration, ensured comprehensive area control and neutralized potential threats.

A bench comprised of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice K Vinod Chandran declined to intervene with the Madras High Court’s ruling, which ordered the immediate deportation of the foreign national following the conclusion of his sentence.

Justice Datta remarked, “Is India to host refugees from all over the world? We are already grappling with a population of 1.4 billion. This is not a dharamshala where we can take in individuals from everywhere,” effectively dismissing the plea.

The Sri Lankan national, who entered India on a visa, had finished his prison term but remained in detention for nearly three years after his release. He approached the Supreme Court seeking to prevent his deportation, citing a serious threat to his life if he returns to Sri Lanka.

His lawyer argued that formal deportation proceedings had not been initiated even after the completion of the seven-year sentence and claimed that the petitioner was entitled to refugee status. The lawyer also highlighted that the individual’s wife and children are already settled in India.

Despite these arguments, the bench remained steadfast. Justice Datta stated, “Go to some other country,” while dismissing the plea for protection against deportation.