New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has officially suspended all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish educational institutions. This decision comes amid growing national calls to cut ties with Turkey over its open support for Pakistan during the recent conflict.
Professor Saima Saeed, the Public Relations Officer of Jamia, confirmed the move. “We have suspended all MoUs with institutions affiliated with Turkey. Jamia stands with the nation and the Government of India,” she told ANI.
This follows a similar decision by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which cancelled its academic agreement with Turkey’s Inonu University in Malatya. JNU cited national security concerns and Turkey’s backing of Pakistan as key reasons.
JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit stated, “Turkey has openly supported Pakistan. That cannot be ignored. JNU is fully funded by Indian taxpayers. If the Indian state is threatened, how can we maintain relations with such a country?”
The MoU between JNU and Inonu University was signed on February 3, 2025, and was initially set to continue until 2028.
The backlash isn’t limited to universities. A wider public boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan is also underway. Both countries have faced criticism for extending diplomatic and military support to Pakistan.
Popular Indian travel websites like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have seen a rise in booking cancellations to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Many users cited their support for Pakistan and an “anti-India” stance as reasons.
Anger grew further after reports revealed Turkey had supplied advanced military technology, including combat drones, to Pakistan. On the night of May 8, Indian defence forces intercepted and neutralized between 300 and 400 drones allegedly launched from Pakistan. These drones flew across Indian regions from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the south.
Preliminary forensic analysis showed that several of these drones were of Turkish origin. They were identified as Asisguard Songar combat drones.
The controversy has sparked debate over international academic collaborations, national loyalty, and the role of foreign allies in regional conflicts.
