#BoycottNike trends after brand's collab with 'anti-India' Bangladeshi influencer goes viral

Time of India

16-06-2025

The past few months have been difficult for India geopolitically and internally. Various incidents such as terrorist killings and airplane crashes have left the nation to solve numerous troubles consecutively.
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While earlier the information on such serious incidents was solely handled by the government and the media, with the oncoming of social media every self-informed and self-proclaimed journalist/influencer has taken it upon themselves to share a unique piece of information with the public with no substantiable proof.
Recently, Nike launched its first-ever Indian brand collaboration with a Delhi-based brand NorBlack NorWhite.
The colourful footwear and apparel collection is inspired by the country's ancient art of tie-dying called "bandhani." The collection created alongside Canadian-born designers Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar 'invites women into sport' while celebrating 'Indian culture and craftsmanship,' according to a Nike press release.
According to a Statista report, in 2023 Nike's revenue in India reached around 12 billion Indian rupees.
While the product faces strong competition from Reebok, Adidas and other local brands in India, it still garners a huge market in it. Thus, the news of the brand's first-ever India-specific collection was exciting and awaited by the customers.
However, recently a social media post promoting the collaboration went viral all over the internet attracting backlash from Indians across the world. Why so? Let's take a closer look.
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Nike's first-ever Indian collaboration faces backlash
Image credits: X/@prashant10gaur
Well, the promotional post featured a US-based Bangladeshi influencer Naley, alongside another model, donning some creations from the collection. After the announcement, the influencer's problematic views on India's territorial integrity went viral.
Social media reactions
People on various platforms such as Instagram and X have been calling out for a boycott of Nike for including an anti-India influencer in a campaign for an Indian collection.
"What's a Bangladeshi doing on Indian Ad?? That too a paid propaganda lady who spreads hatred against India!!" commented a social media user under the influencer's Instagram post.
"if Nike is endorsing people who disrespect India, let's #BoycottNike" wrote a user on X.
"Nike's first-ever brand collaboration in India. With a woman who openly claims that Jammu & Kashmir is not part of India. Speak up or stay silent.
But don't buy. Share Max 🚨🚨#BoycottNike" added another.
"@Nike my single penny wont go to you until she is removed." commented an X user.
The protest against the brand's promotional post seems to continue with more and more people joining in.