After JDU, Jamia IIT Bombay Suspends Ties With Turkish Universities Amid Rising Tensions
IIT Bombay has suspended academic agreements with Turkish institutions, joining JNU and Jamia, amid growing backlash over Turkey’s support to Pakistan after Operation Sindoor.
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay on Saturday said it is suspending all collaborative academic agreements with universities in Turkey. This decision follows heightened diplomatic and public tensions triggered by Turkey’s backing of Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor.
“Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice,” the institution posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The move mirrors recent actions by other top institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia, which have also terminated collaborations with Turkish academic entities in recent days.
Turkey and Azerbaijan have come under fire in India for allegedly supplying drones and extending diplomatic support to Pakistan during the recent military escalation post the Pahalgam terror attack.
In response, Indian travellers have started cancelling planned trips to both countries. Turkey saw over 3 lakh Indian tourists in 2024, generating revenue worth ₹42.9 billion, while Azerbaijan hosted more than 2 lakh Indian visitors, earning nearly ₹26 billion.
Echoing public sentiment, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday called for a complete commercial disengagement with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The traders’ body said its nationwide campaign will halt all imports from both countries.
“In view of their support to Pakistan during a national security crisis, we are suspending all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan,” CAIT said in a statement. The organisation also warned exporters, importers, and business delegations against engaging with any Turkish or Azerbaijani entities.
Tensions escalated earlier this month after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Intelligence reports later indicated that Turkey-based defence manufacturers had supplied drones used by Pakistan during retaliatory strikes.
The fallout has triggered diplomatic and educational ripples, with India reassessing bilateral ties, especially in defence and academic cooperation, with both Turkey and Azerbaijan.
