Why Did Maulana Azad National Urdu University Cancel Its MoU with the Turkish Institute?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
<b>Maulana Azad National Urdu University</b> has canceled its academic partnership with <b>Yunus Emre Institute</b> in response to Turkey's support for Pakistan amid rising Indo-Pak tensions. This decision aligns with national security considerations, reflecting a broader trend among Indian universities.
Key Takeaways
- MANUU cancels MoU with Yunus Emre Institute.
- Decision made due to Turkey's support for Pakistan.
- Partnership included Turkish language diploma program.
- Broader trend among Indian universities suspending Turkish MoUs.
- National security concerns highlighted.
Hyderabad, May 15 (NationPress) - The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has officially declared the termination of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey. This decision comes in response to Turkey's backing of Pakistan amid the recent Indo-Pak conflict following the terror incident in Pahalgam.
The announcement was made on Thursday, indicating that this decision is a form of protest against Turkey's support for Pakistan amidst escalating Indo-Pak tensions.
Last year, MANUU had established an MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute for a duration of five years, which included launching a diploma program in the Turkish language at the School of Languages, Linguistics & Indology within MANUU.
A Visiting Professor was brought on board for this initiative, but the university confirmed that the professor from Turkey has since returned home.
The MoU was formalized on January 2, 2024, with the presence of MANUU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, along with MANUU Registrar Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed and Consul General of Turkiye Orhan Yalman Okan, representing the Yunus Emre Institute.
The Yunus Emre Institute is a global non-profit organization established by the Turkish government in 2007, named after the renowned 14th-century poet. The institute's mission is to promote the Turkish language and culture internationally.
Upon signing the MoU, it was indicated that this collaboration would facilitate exchange visits among their academic and administrative personnel for lectures, research, joint projects, and cultural activities.
Additionally, the MoU was designed to promote student exchanges, faculty mobility, project development, and capacity-building in educational, cultural, and scientific areas, particularly in the realm of science diplomacy.
MANUU’s cancellation of the MoU coincided with the Indian government's decision to revoke security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services Pvt Ltd, which was involved in ground handling at major airports across India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, and Hyderabad.
The Civil Aviation Ministry acted swiftly to revoke this clearance in the interest of national security.
This action aligns with a broader trend, as several leading Indian universities have suspended their MoUs with Turkish institutions, citing national security apprehensions. Jamia Millia Islamia issued a statement on Thursday announcing the immediate suspension of all MoUs with any institution connected to the Turkish government.
In a post on X, the university stated: “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 Turkiye stands suspended with immediate effect, until further orders. Jamia Millia Islamia stands firmly with the Nation.”
This suspension follows Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) own decision to halt its MoU with Inonu University in Turkey.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of national security in academic collaborations. The cancellation of the MoU by MANUU reflects a growing concern among Indian institutions regarding foreign partnerships that may compromise national interests. This proactive stance not only safeguards our sovereignty but also underscores the need for careful scrutiny of international agreements.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the cancellation of the MoU?
The MoU was canceled due to Turkey's support for Pakistan amid the recent Indo-Pak conflict, a decision made in protest against rising tensions.
What was the purpose of the original MoU?
The MoU aimed to facilitate academic collaboration, including a diploma program in Turkish language and cultural exchanges.
How does this cancellation affect future partnerships?
This cancellation may lead to a cautious approach towards future partnerships with foreign institutions, especially those affiliated with countries that pose national security concerns.
