New Delhi– Following in the footsteps of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all academic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions affiliated with the Turkish government, citing national security concerns. The announcement marks another step in India’s broader re-evaluation of ties with Turkey amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the university declared:
“Due to national security considerations, any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye stands suspended with immediate effect, until further orders. Jamia Millia Islamia stands firmly with the Nation.”
The decision comes just days after JNU suspended its own agreement with Turkey’s Inonu University. That MoU, signed on February 3, was intended to foster collaborative research and student exchanges. However, JNU also cited national security threats, stating that the agreement would remain suspended “until further notice.”
Similarly, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad announced the immediate cancellation of its academic partnership with the Yunus Emre Institute in Turkey, adding to the growing list of Indian academic institutions severing ties with Turkish counterparts.
These actions reflect worsening India-Turkey relations, driven by Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan and its criticism of India’s cross-border counterterrorism operations. Turkish backing of Pakistan on key strategic and defense matters has intensified domestic calls in India to boycott Turkish products and tourism.
Concerns deepened further after Indian defense officials revealed the recovery of Turkish-made drones during a recent military operation. At a press briefing, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that forensic analysis identified the drones as Turkish-origin Songar models manufactured by Asisguard — evidence pointing to Turkey’s defense cooperation with Pakistan.
The discovery of Turkish drones in Pakistan’s arsenal has fueled concerns in New Delhi about the growing strategic alignment between Ankara and Islamabad, prompting a broader reassessment of bilateral and institutional relationships.
Officials say the suspension of MoUs by Indian universities is part of a wider national effort to review and recalibrate ties with countries perceived to be undermining India’s security interests. (Source: IANS)
