Why Are Indian Universities Suspending Agreements with Turkish Institutions?
Suspension of Academic Ties with Turkey
New Delhi: A number of leading Indian universities have decided to halt their academic partnerships with Turkish institutions, citing concerns over national security. Jamia Millia Islamia is the latest to announce this decision, stating on Thursday that it is suspending all agreements with any institution linked to the Government of Turkey.
In a statement shared on X, the university declared: “In light of national security issues, all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and any institution associated with the Government of Turkey are suspended immediately until further notice. Jamia Millia Islamia stands firmly with the Nation.”
Due to national security considerations, any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and any institution affiliated with the Government of Türkiye stands suspended with immediate effect, until further orders.
Jamia Millia…
— Jamia Millia Islamia (NAAC A++ Grade Central Univ) (@jmiu_official) May 15, 2025
This decision follows Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which also suspended its MoU with Inonu University in Turkey. The agreement, established on February 3 of this year, aimed to foster collaborative research and student exchanges. However, JNU cited similar national security concerns in its announcement: “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkey stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation.”
Additionally, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad has cancelled its MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute in Turkey, effective immediately.
These actions are occurring against a backdrop of worsening relations between India and Turkey, largely due to Turkey's strong backing of Pakistan and its criticism of India's recent military actions against terrorist camps across the border. Turkey's strategic alignment with Pakistan on various defense matters has led to calls within India for a boycott of Turkish products and tourism.
Concerns over national security intensified following a briefing by Indian defense officials, who disclosed the recovery of Turkish-made drones during a recent operation. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that forensic analysis identified these as Turkish-origin Songar drones produced by Asisguard.
The presence of these drones in Pakistan's military inventory highlights the growing defense collaboration between Ankara and Islamabad, a relationship that is increasingly under scrutiny in New Delhi.
The suspension of MoUs by Indian universities is viewed as part of a broader initiative to reassess and adjust institutional relationships with countries perceived as opposing India's national interests, according to officials.