Mumbai: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar to boycott Turkish shows, citing Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid escalating tensions with India.
In a statement, released on Thursday, the organisation said they stand “firmly for the interest of the nation and industry”.
“We are writing to express our serious concern and strong objection regarding the continued streaming and promotion of Turkish shows on various Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms operating in India.
"As is well known, Turkey has consistently extended diplomatic and political support to Pakistan on matters that are detrimental to India's sovereignty and national interest, including on sensitive issues such as Kashmir," the FWICE said.
The FWICE, representing workers, technicians, and artists across 36 crafts in the Indian media and entertainment industry, stated that it is not in India's best interest to widely consume content from a nation that does not support its territorial integrity.
The FWICE has urged the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to take necessary action to boycott or restrict the streaming of Turkish television shows and films on Indian OTT platforms.
“Such a step will not only send a strong message globally but also encourage the promotion of Indian content and support the large workforce of our domestic entertainment industry. We hope the ministry will take cognisance of this matter with the seriousness it deserves and initiate appropriate steps in the national interest,” it said.
Turkish dramas such as “Binbir Gece”, “As the Crow Flies”, “Another Self”, “Yabani”, “Terzi”, “Ethos”, and “Creature” gained popularity in India in the early 2000s.
The call for boycotting Turkish goods and tourism in India gained momentum after Türkiye criticised India's strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Adding to the tensions, Pakistan reportedly used Turkish drones during the conflict. In response, online travel platforms like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have issued advisories against visiting Türkiye, reflecting the growing backlash.
(inputs from PTI)