PM Modi Highlights Surge in ‘Vocal for Local’ Spirit After Operation Sindoor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Operation Sindoor has sparked a wave of patriotic sentiment across the country, with many families pledging to support Indian products and travel destinations as part of the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement.

Speaking during his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister shared heartwarming anecdotes of how the campaign has inspired citizens to make conscious, India-first choices.

“There’s a renewed energy across the nation when it comes to ‘Vocal for Local’,” Modi said. “A parent told me, ‘We will now only buy Indian-made toys for our children. Patriotism should begin in childhood.’ Some families have resolved to vacation within India, while many young people are committing to hosting their weddings domestically, as part of a growing ‘Wed in India’ trend,” he added.

Prime Minister also noted that several people have vowed to give only locally made gifts crafted by Indian artisans, reinforcing the push for self-reliance and pride in Indian craftsmanship.

His remarks come at a time when many Indians are voicing strong disapproval of Turkey and Azerbaijan for their public support of Pakistan following Operation Sindoor—India’s recent military strike on terror camps across the border. Reports that Pakistan deployed Turkish drones during the conflict have only deepened public anger.

This growing sentiment is already shaping travel choices. According to visa processing platform Atlys, there has been a noticeable drop in interest among Indian travellers for Turkey and Azerbaijan. In just 36 hours, nearly 60% of users stopped their visa applications midway, the company revealed on May 20.

The reaction wasn’t driven by any formal call for a boycott — it was spontaneous, emotional, and clear. Indians appeared to be making conscious choices, guided by national sentiment and a sense of solidarity.

“The response was swift and instinctive,” said Atlys founder and CEO Mohak Nahta. “People didn’t need to be told to avoid certain destinations — they made informed decisions, backed by emotion and access to alternatives. That’s modern travel: emotionally intelligent and logistically agile.”

In solidarity with public sentiment, Atlys said it also halted all marketing campaigns related to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Amid the growing diplomatic tension, institutions in India have begun taking action as well. Citing the current geopolitical situation, prominent educational institutions, including IIT Bombay, have suspended their collaborations with Turkish universities.