India’s campuses hit back: MoUs with Turkey terminated over military support to Pakistan

Several Indian universities, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, have severed academic ties with institutions in Turkey amid growing concerns over national security and geopolitical alignments.

In a recent development, IIT Roorkee announced the cancellation of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Turkey.

The institute noted that the agreement had outlined potential collaborations in academics and research, including student and faculty exchanges.

In an official statement, the institute emphasized, “IIT Roorkee remains committed to aligning its international engagements with the national interest. The Institute continues to actively pursue collaborations with global partners that are in harmony with its academic objectives and the broader vision of strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.”

The move comes as part of a broader trend among Indian institutions distancing themselves from Turkish universities following reports of Turkey’s support for Pakistan, particularly in the form of military aid such as drones and arms during recent tensions with India.

Earlier this week, Jamia Millia Islamia also suspended all MoUs with Turkish institutions, citing national security concerns.

The university said that it “stands with the nation amid the recent developments concerning Turkey helping Pakistan.”

Similarly, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) ended its academic partnership with Inonu University in Malatya, Turkey, while the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad terminated its MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute, also referencing Turkey's support for Pakistan.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) joined the list of institutions cutting ties, announcing the termination of six MoUs with universities in both Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The suspended agreements covered student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and dual degree programs.

Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, remarked, “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.”

He added, “LPU’s mission has always been aligned with the growth and integrity of India, and we will never associate with any institution that undermines India’s sovereignty.”

These actions reflect a growing alignment of academic diplomacy with national security considerations, as Indian institutions reevaluate their global partnerships in light of current geopolitical realities.