JNU, IIT Bombay and more Indian institutes suspend MoUs with Turkish Universities – Check the full list
In response to Turkey’s support for Pakistan following the recent escalation in tensions with India after the Pahalgam terror attack, numerous Indian educational institutions have either suspended their partnerships with Turkish universities or are currently reviewing them. Here is a list of institutions who have suspended their partnerships:
By CNBCTV18.com May 18, 2025, 10:51:55 AM IST (Updated)
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IIT Bombay | IIT Bombay announced on Saturday, May 17, the suspension of its agreements with several Turkish universities in response to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey. In a statement posted on X, the institute said, “Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice.” The affected institutions might include Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Boğaziçi University, Koç University, İnönü University, and Sabancı University.
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IIT Roorkee | IIT Roorkee, on May 16, cancelled its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkey’s İnönü University, which was intended to facilitate academic and research collaborations. “IIT-Roorkee stands firmly in support of national policy and strategic interests. As a leading institution, we are committed to ensuring that our global partnerships reflect the values, priorities, and security considerations of our country. Our focus remains on building meaningful and responsible academic collaborations that contribute to India’s growth and global standing,” the PTI quoted Director Kamal Kishore Pant. (Image: Shutterstock)
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JNU | Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suspended its academic ties with Turkey’s İnönü University on May 14, citing national security concerns following Turkey’s support for Pakistan. JNU was the first Indian academic institution to take such a step. “Due to national security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye, stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the nation. #NationFirst,” the university announced on X. The MoU, signed on February 3 for a three-year term, included plans for faculty and student exchanges, among other academic collaborations.
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Kanpur university | Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) in Kanpur announced, on May 16, the immediate termination of its MoU with Istanbul University, Turkey. University officials stated that the decision was prompted by Turkey’s perceived alignment with countries openly hostile to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. (Image: CSJMU)
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LPU | Lovely Professional University in Punjab has ended six academic partnerships with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing recent geopolitical developments against India’s national interests. This includes the immediate halt of all student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and dual degree programmes. According to The Hindu, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Founder Chancellor of LPU, said, “When our brave armed forces are risking their lives — whether in covert operations, air defence, or patrolling our borders — we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent.” (Image: LPU)
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MANUU | Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), on May 15, cancelled its academic MoU with Turkey’s Yunus Emre Institute with immediate effect. In a statement, MANUU said, “This decision is taken in protest against Turkey’s support for Pakistan’s terrorist activities in the backdrop of Indo-Pak tensions.” The five-year MoU had facilitated the launch of a diploma course in the Turkish language at the university’s School of Languages. (Image: MANUU)
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Delhi University | The University of Delhi is currently reviewing its international academic partnerships. “We are evaluating all the MoUs and will make a decision after thoroughly reviewing the agreements,” a senior DU official told PTI.
