Mumbai, May 16 – The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called on major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and JioCinema to boycott all Turkish shows amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, citing Turkey’s diplomatic support for Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FWICE expressed its “serious concern and strong objection” over the continued streaming and promotion of Turkish content on Indian OTT platforms.
“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 interests, including sensitive issues like Kashmir,” the organization said.
FWICE, which represents workers, technicians, and artists from 36 different sectors of the Indian media and entertainment industry, stated that allowing content from a country that challenges India’s territorial integrity is not in the nation’s best interest.
The body has also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take necessary steps to restrict or ban Turkish television shows and films on Indian OTT platforms.
“Such an action would not only send a strong global message but also promote Indian content and support the vast workforce of our domestic entertainment industry. We hope the ministry will take this matter seriously and act in the national interest,” the statement added.
Turkish drama series like Binbir Gece, As the Crow Flies, Another Self, Yabani, Terzi, Ethos, and Creature had gained popularity in India since the early 2000s.
This development follows Turkey’s criticism of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan reportedly used Turkish-made drones against India during the military conflict.
