Why Did Jamia Millia Islamia Suspend MoUs with Turkish Institutions?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Jamia Millia Islamia has joined other Indian universities in suspending partnerships with Turkish institutions due to national security concerns, reflecting growing tensions and a reassessment of international ties.
Key Takeaways
- Jamia Millia Islamia suspends MoUs with Turkish institutions.
- National security concerns drive the decision.
- Other universities, including JNU and MANUU, have taken similar steps.
- India-Turkey relations are under strain.
- Discovery of Turkish drones in Pakistan raises alarms.
New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) In a significant move, various esteemed Indian universities have halted their academic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish institutions, citing concerns for national security. The most recent institution to take this step is Jamia Millia Islamia, which announced on Thursday that it will suspend all MoUs with any establishments linked to the Government of the Republic of Turkiye.
In a communication posted on X, the university stated: “Due to national security considerations, any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and any institution associated with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye is hereby suspended with immediate effect, pending further orders. Jamia Millia Islamia stands resolutely with the Nation.”
This decision follows Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) recent suspension of its MoU with Inonu University in Turkey.
The agreement, established earlier this year on February 3, was aimed at fostering collaborative research and student exchanges. However, JNU also cited national security concerns in its declaration: “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkiye has been suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation.”
Adding to this trend, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad has also terminated its MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute in Turkey with immediate effect.
These actions emerge amid a broader decline in India-Turkey relations, fueled by Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan and its criticism of India’s recent counter-terror operations across the border. Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan on significant strategic and defense matters has ignited domestic calls in India for a boycott of Turkish products and tourism.
National security worries intensified further following a press briefing by Indian defense officials, who disclosed that Turkish-made drones had been seized during a recent operation. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that forensic analysis identified these as Turkish-origin Songar drones manufactured by Asisguard.
The existence of these drones in Pakistan’s military inventory underscores the growing defense collaboration between Ankara and Islamabad—a relationship increasingly scrutinized in New Delhi.
The suspension of MoUs by Indian universities is viewed as part of a broader initiative to reassess and realign institutional ties with nations perceived as acting against India's national interests, according to officials.
Point of View
I believe that these suspensions reflect a necessary reassessment of academic collaborations with nations that may not align with our national interests. It is crucial for institutions to prioritize national security while fostering global partnerships.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Indian universities suspended MoUs with Turkish institutions?
The suspensions are primarily due to national security concerns related to Turkey's support for Pakistan and its criticism of India's military operations.
What universities have taken this action?
Notable universities include Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU).
What was the purpose of the MoUs that were suspended?
The MoUs were intended to promote collaborative research and facilitate student exchanges between the involved institutions.
How does this impact India-Turkey relations?
The suspensions indicate a significant strain in relations, driven by Turkey's alignment with Pakistan on strategic issues, prompting calls in India for a boycott of Turkish products.
What triggered the national security concerns?
Concerns escalated after the discovery of Turkish-made drones in Pakistan's arsenal, highlighting deepening defense ties between Turkey and Pakistan.
