Four Indian universities have suspended or terminated their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish institutions following Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid recent tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Kanpur University, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad took these steps reportedly under pressure from the BJP-led Indian government. JNU suspended its MoU with Inonu University, while Jamia Millia Islamia halted agreements with any institutions affiliated with the Turkish government. Kanpur University revoked its partnership with Istanbul University, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University canceled its agreement with the Yunus Emre Institute.
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JNU stated that the suspension of its MoU with Inonu University was due to national security concerns and would remain in effect until further notice. Similar reasons were cited by Jamia Millia Islamia and Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
Kanpur University expressed that Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan, perceived as hostile to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, undermined the credibility of Turkish institutions as academic partners. It stated, “An institution linked, directly or indirectly, with a strategic ally of Pakistan can no longer be considered a credible academic partner.”
This development follows Turkey’s public support for Pakistan during the recent escalation in India-Pakistan relations. On May 9, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed concern over the escalating conflict between the two nations and extended condolences to the victims in Pakistan, stating hopes that the situation would not escalate further.
Notably, Pakistan and India reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10, brokered by the United States government.
