The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia has announced the immediate suspension of all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions affiliated with the Government of Turkey. The move comes amid rising diplomatic tensions, with Turkey recently voicing support for Pakistan on matters that India considers sensitive and internal.
In an official statement shared via social media, Jamia Millia Islamia declared, “It stands firmly with the Nation.” The university emphasized that the decision was made keeping in view national interest and growing concerns over Turkey’s political positioning in relation to India’s sovereignty and territorial matters.
Jamia Millia Islamia had signed several MoUs with Turkish universities and research institutions in recent years to promote academic cooperation, student and faculty exchange, and joint research. These collaborations were part of the university’s internationalization efforts and were aimed at fostering educational and cultural ties. However, the administration has now put all such partnerships on hold with immediate effect.
The development follows a similar decision made earlier by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which suspended its own collaborations with Turkish institutions in response to Turkey’s political rhetoric perceived as siding with Pakistan on critical geopolitical issues, including Kashmir.
The Ministry of Education and Ministry of External Affairs have reportedly advised Indian higher education institutions to reassess partnerships with foreign bodies whose governments adopt positions that may be seen as hostile or contrary to India’s national interests. Turkey’s continued public support to Pakistan on the international stage, especially at forums like the United Nations, has led to mounting scrutiny of bilateral engagements at various levels, including in academia.
University officials stated that while academic freedom and international collaboration remain important, national security and solidarity take precedence. “We are proud to be a part of a sovereign nation and we fully support any step that upholds its dignity,” a senior university representative said on condition of anonymity.
There has been no immediate response from Turkish institutions involved in the MoUs, nor has the Turkish embassy in India commented on the suspensions.
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