Hyderabad : In a significant move reflecting geopolitical sensitivities, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad has officially terminated its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunus Emre Institute (YEI), a Turkish cultural and educational institution. The decision was made in protest against Turkiye’s growing support for Pakistan, particularly in light of recent allegations involving Turkish-origin drones being used for cross-border intrusions by Pakistan, reported the Hindu.
The five-year academic collaboration, which began on January 2, 2024, facilitated the teaching of Turkish language through a diploma course offered by MANUU’s School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology. A visiting professor from Turkey had been appointed as part of the agreement, who has since returned home.
According to YEI’s official website, the institute operates under the Yunus Emre Foundation and is dedicated to promoting Turkish language and culture across the globe through its cultural centres.
This move by MANUU aligns with similar decisions taken by other Indian universities. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) recently suspended its academic collaboration with Turkiye’s Inonu University, while Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) also called off all academic ties with Turkish institutions citing national security concerns.
The cancellation by MANUU underscores the increasing impact of international relations on educational partnerships and academic diplomacy.
