Jamia Millia Islamia Suspends MoUs with Turkish Institutions over National Security Concerns
Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish institutions, citing national security concerns amid growing tensions following Operation Sindoor.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a prominent central university in New Delhi, announced on Wednesday the immediate suspension of all MoUs with institutions affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye. The decision, shared through an official statement on social media, aligns with similar moves by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), which have also terminated academic ties with Turkish universities.
“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 Türkiye stands suspended with immediate effect, until further orders,” the university posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Jamia Millia Islamia stands firmly with the Nation.”
Affected students and faculty have been advised to await further guidance from the university administration.
The move follows a series of similar suspensions from Indian academic institutions in response to geopolitical developments. On Wednesday morning, CSJMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak confirmed that the university had revoked its MoU with a Turkish university, citing national interest and Turkey’s diplomatic posture post-Operation Sindoor.
Earlier on May 14, JNU also suspended its partnership with Turkey’s Inonu University, stating national security as the primary reason.
These actions reflect India’s firm stance following Operation Sindoor — a recent military operation targeting nine terrorist hideouts across the Line of Control, which escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. The operation drew global attention and prompted a review of diplomatic and academic relations with countries seen as sympathetic to Pakistan.
Indian security and diplomatic officials have expressed concern over Turkey and Azerbaijan’s alleged support to Pakistan, including the reported supply of Turkish drones to the Pakistani military. These concerns have led to increased calls from Indian civil society to limit ties with Ankara and Baku across sectors — including trade, diplomacy, tourism, and education.
Online travel platform MakeMyTrip has advised Indian tourists to avoid visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan in a “patriotic gesture,” aligning with a broader sentiment of national solidarity.
The academic suspensions come amid a larger diplomatic recalibration. Turkey’s refusal to condemn acts of terrorism and its perceived alignment with Pakistan have led to widespread criticism in India. Lawmakers, veterans’ groups, and policy analysts have urged the government and public institutions to sever ties with nations not aligned with India’s security priorities.
Operation Sindoor, conducted in response to cross-border terror threats, has redefined India’s strategic posture in the region. With tensions peaking, universities and corporations are being urged to reassess foreign collaborations.
