New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B), one of India’s premier technological institutes, has suspended all academic collaborations with Turkish universities, citing the “current geopolitical situation” after Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, IIT-B wrote: “Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice.”
IIT Bombay joins a growing list
This move comes amid escalation in Indian institutes’ academic response to the international fallout of Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian defence forces on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
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IIT Bombay’s decision impacts a range of academic programmes, including faculty and student exchange initiatives with Turkish institutions. The institute joins a growing list of Indian educational establishments that have severed ties with Turkey. IIT Roorkee, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and Kanpur University have all suspended or revoked agreements with Turkish counterparts over similar concerns.
IIT Roorkee was among the first to act, cancelling its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Inonu University. JNU followed suit, also severing ties with the same university. Jamia Millia Islamia and Maulana Azad National Urdu University withdrew from long-standing collaborations, the latter pulling out of its MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute. Kanpur University, a state-run institution, ended its partnership with Istanbul University, citing Ankara’s “hostile stance” towards India.
Impact on tourism
Beyond academia, the backlash against Turkey and Azerbaijan has extended into tourism and trade. Indian tourists have started cancelling trips to both countries. Turkey, which welcomed over 3 lakh Indian visitors in 2024 and earned approximately Rs 42.9 billion from Indian tourism, is seeing a sharp decline in bookings. Azerbaijan, with over 2 lakh Indian visitors last year generating nearly Rs 26 billion in tourism revenue, is experiencing similar effects.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced a nationwide boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods. The organisation has urged Indian importers, exporters, and business delegations to disengage from all commercial ties with firms and institutions based in the two countries.
“The resolution comes in response to the recent stand taken by Turkey and Azerbaijan in open support of Pakistan, at a time when India is facing a sensitive and critical national security situation,” CAIT said in a statement on Friday.
