- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Sat, 17 May 2025 05:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Delhi: In recent developments signaling a strong stance on national sovereignty and strategic priorities, several top Indian universities have cancelled academic collaborations with Turkish institutions. This decisive action comes in response to Turkey’s continued political and military support to Pakistan, particularly during Operation Sindoor and subsequent confrontations that involved Turkish drones aiding Pakistan's military strategy.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), IIT Roorkee, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (Kanpur University), Chandigarh University and Lovely Professional University (LPU) are among the institutions that have either suspended or permanently cancelled MoUs. These agreements previously facilitated student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and dual-degree programs. However, in light of rising concerns over Turkey's alliances and India's national security interests, the institutions have chosen to prioritize patriotism and sovereignty over international cooperation.
This article explores the universities involved, reasons for the cancellation, implications, and how this decision shapes India’s higher education policies going forward.
Universities That Cancelled MoUs with Turkey – Full List and Reasons
| University Name | MoU Partner Institution | Reason for Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Inonu University | National security concerns after Turkish drone activities |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Govt-Affiliated Turkish Institutions | National security concerns |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University | Yunus Emre Institute | Support to Pakistan; cancellation of Turkish course |
| IIT Roorkee | Inonu University | Alignment with national policy and security |
| Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University | Istanbul University | Turkey’s stance post-Operation Sindoor |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Turkish and Azerbaijani Institutions | Support to Pakistan, criticism of Indian military ops |
| Chandigarh University | 23 Institutions in Turkey and Azerbaijan | Pro-Pakistan stance; prioritizing national security and integrity |
Detailed Overview of University Statements:
Lovely Professional University (LPU):
LPU, located in Punjab, became India’s first private university to cancel ties with institutions in both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Chancellor Ashok Kumar Mittal emphasized that India’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and academic partnerships should reflect national integrity. LPU suspended all exchanges, joint research, and dual degrees.
JNU & IIT Roorkee:
JNU and IIT Roorkee suspended their MoUs with Inonu University in Turkey. Both cited recent geopolitical developments, such as Turkey’s pro-Pakistan narrative and drone technology support, as direct threats to national security. JNU specifically highlighted its alumni in defense forces as a moral driver for the decision.
MANUU & Jamia Millia Islamia:
MANUU announced an immediate cancellation of its MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute. A visiting Turkish professor under the program has already returned. Jamia Millia Islamia terminated all existing MoUs with Turkish government-backed universities citing security alerts and a firm nationalistic stance.
Chandigarh University:
Chandigarh University has immediately ended all 23 academic MoUs with Turkey and Azerbaijan, including its partnership with Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, citing national interest and security concerns after Turkey’s support for Pakistan. The university emphasized its unwavering commitment to India’s integrity and sovereignty.
MoU Termination Timeline – Calendar Table
| University | MoU Initiated | MoU Cancelled | Duration Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNU | Early 2024 | April 2025 | Approx. 1 year |
| MANUU | 2020 | May 2025 | 5 years |
| Jamia | 2021 | April 2025 | 4 years |
| LPU | 2022 | May 2025 | 3 years |
| CSJMU | 2023 | May 2025 | 2 years |
| IIT Roorkee | 2023 | April 2025 | 2 years |
| Chandigarh University | January 2025 | May 2025 | Less than 6 months |
National Policy and Academic Sovereignty
These cancellations align with India’s broader strategy of defending its borders not just militarily but diplomatically and intellectually. The move sends a strong signal that academic freedom must be balanced with national responsibility. Universities are now being guided to re-evaluate international partnerships, especially those tied to politically sensitive countries.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Education are likely to issue new advisories regarding MoUs with foreign institutions in conflict-sensitive regions.