New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi has said that it is suspending an academic agreement with Turkey’s Inonu University due to “national security” considerations, amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions and growing rage over Turkey’s support to Pakistan.
The university administration wrote on X: “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkey stands suspended until further notice.” The post further said: “JNU stands with the nation.”
Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice.
JNU stands with the Nation. #NationFirst @rashtrapatibhvn @VPIndia @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @EduMinOfIndia— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) May 14, 2025
According to the JNU website, the MoU was signed on February 3 this year, with a three-year duration, set to remain in effect until February 2, 2028.
A senior official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI: “We have suspended the MoU with Turkiye’s Inonu University. Under the pact, there were plans for faculty exchange and student exchange programmes, among others.”
The development comes as the public outcry against Turkey grows for its backing to Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor. Ankara and Azerbaijan had spoke against India for striking terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It was also reported that Pakistan deployed Turkish kamikaze drones in its failed attempt to target Indian military installations. The government had also briefly blocked X accounts belonging to Turkish news broadcaster TRT World, citing the spread of propaganda and misinformation against India.
Many sections in India have sought boycott of Turkish products and services. While traders in Pune called for a “boycott” of Turkish apples, several vendors in Uttar Pradesh have decided to snap all business ties with Turkey to protest against its support for Pakistan.
Online travel platforms MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have reportedly witnessed a spike in cancellations from Indian tourists travelling to Turkey and Azerbaijan, after their anti-India stance.
It is to be noted that India was one of the first countries which helped Turkey when a devastating earthquake rocked it in February 2023. India launched ‘Operation Dost’ to assist the quake-torn country. It dispatched multiple aid consignments, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, search and rescue dog squads, medical teams, field hospitals, medicines, relief supplies, and specialised equipment to assist Turkey.
