New Delhi: In the footsteps of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) suspended all academic ties with institutions of the Turkish government. The move, effective immediately, has been made in light of national security interests.
The university issued an official statement on Wednesday, announcing that any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JMI and Turkey-backed institutions stands suspended “until further orders.” The move comes amid increasing diplomatic strain between India and Turkey, triggered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent remarks in favour of Pakistan.
“Due to national security considerations, any MoU between Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye stands suspended with immediate effect,” read the statement shared by the university on X (formerly Twitter). It added that the university “stands firmly with the Nation.”
Just a day earlier, JNU had called off its own agreement with Turkey’s İnönü University, also citing national security issues.
The back-to-back announcements indicate a broader push by Indian educational institutions to distance themselves from nations perceived to be taking an unfriendly diplomatic stance.
Following Turkey’s outspoken support of Pakistan and denunciation of India’s purported terrorist operations, rhetoric has escalated. All this has not only impacted scholarly exchanges but appears to be straining trade and tourism relations. Indian travel agencies like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have issued advisories against visiting Turkey, with some citizens calling for a boycott of Turkish products.
