NEW DELHI: Toyota Motor and Domino’s Pizza are among a half-dozen firms that have apologised to India for social media posts from its Pakistani partners expressing support for occupied Kashmir on Kashmir Solidarity Day. More businesses have become embroiled in the diplomatic conflict.
The apology comes after a rare diplomatic escalation on Tuesday between South Korea and India over social media remarks by Hyundai Motors’ Pakistani partner, which sparked outrage in India and calls for a boycott of the company.
As outrage over the social media messages escalated on Twitter, Suzuki Motor, the main owner of India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motors, and Isuzu Motors, South Korea’s Kia Motors, and Yum! Brands’ KFC all issued apologies.
The incident underlines the dangers that multinational firms face as they navigate sensitivities in the face of rising nationalism in South Asia, pushing them to enhance their social media rules in order to preserve their brand.
The dispute erupted on Sunday, a day after several companies posted comments on social media commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day, which Pakistan observes every year on February 5 to honour the sacrifices of Kashmiris fighting for independence. Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, warned on Twitter that any political statements made by its dealers or other partners are unauthorised and do not reflect the company’s position.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused,” the firm stated, adding that it was putting in place steps to prevent future exploitation of its brand and similar incidents.
Suzuki apologised in a similar manner, stating that it was not affiliated with any political or religious groups.
Hundreds of people took to social media to demand an apology from Hyundai, India’s second-largest automobile manufacturer. Several people in India have claimed they will cancel their car orders. On Tuesday, the automaker issued an apology, expressing regret for any offence given to Indians.
Nonetheless, hundreds of members of India’s opposition Congress party’s youth wing gathered in protest against one of Hyundai’s dealerships in the western city of Ahmedabad.Some carried signs that read “Boycott Hyundai” and asked that the firm tweet Kashmir is a part of India.
“We’re condemning Hyundai’s views on Kashmir, its attempts to disrupt India’s peace, and the sacrifices our soldiers have made to safeguard Kashmir and the nation,” said Gaurang Makvana, a member of the young Congress.
