Jamia joins JNU in halting academic ties with Turkey over national security concerns

Jamia Millia Islamia has become the most recent Indian university to sever academic ties with Turkish institutions, as tensions grow between New Delhi and Ankara over the latter’s alignment with Pakistan.

“We have suspended all MoUs with institutions affiliated with Turkey. Jamia stands with the nation and the Government of India,” university spokesperson Professor Saima Saeed said.

The decision comes shortly after Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suspended its collaboration with Inonu University in Malatya, citing “national security concerns.”

This pattern of institutional withdrawal echoes a larger nationwide sentiment. Citizens and digital platforms have increasingly distanced themselves from Turkish and Azerbaijani goods and services following claims that both countries have extended diplomatic and military backing to Pakistan.

Online travel platforms like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have recorded a significant jump in cancellations for trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Customers cited the perceived “anti-India stance” of both nations as the reason for the pullback.

Public anger intensified after Indian security forces shot down between 300 and 400 drones on the night of May 8, allegedly launched from Pakistan.

Forensic investigations suggested the use of Turkish-made Songar combat drones by Asisguard, further raising concerns about Turkey’s military cooperation with Islamabad.