Indian Universities Cut Ties with Turkish Institutions

Indian universities suspend academic ties with Turkish institutions amid geopolitical tensions. Learn more about the impact and broader implications.

Indian Universities Sever Academic Ties with Turkish Institutions Amid Geopolitical Strain

Indian universities, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Lovely Professional University (LPU), and IIT Roorkee, have announced the suspension of their academic collaborations with Turkish institutions, citing national security concerns and geopolitical tensions. This move reflects a unified stance on prioritizing national interests over international academic partnerships amid strained India-Turkey relations.

IIT Bombay Suspends Ties Over Geopolitical Concerns

IIT Bombay recently announced the suspension of all academic agreements with Turkish universities, citing the "current geopolitical situation involving Turkey." This decision, shared through the institute's official X handle (@iitbombay), underscores a cautious approach to international collaboration in light of evolving security concerns. The suspension will remain in effect "until further notice," aligning with similar actions taken by other leading Indian institutions.

JNU Terminates MoU with Inonu University

On May 14, 2025, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also suspended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Malatya, Turkey. The agreement, signed on February 3 for a three-year term, was aimed at fostering cross-cultural research and student exchange through JNU’s School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies and School of Computer and Systems Sciences. However, the university cited "national security considerations" as the reason for the suspension, emphasizing its support for the nation and the armed forces, many of whom are JNU alumni.

LPU Terminates Ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan

On May 17, 2025, Lovely Professional University (LPU) terminated all its academic agreements with institutions in Turkey and Azerbaijan. LPU’s founder and Rajya Sabha member, Ashok Kumar Mittal, highlighted the pro-Pakistan stance of these countries as a key factor in the decision, reflecting a broader concern about their geopolitical positions.

IIT Roorkee Follows Suit, Cites National Interest

IIT Roorkee joined the growing list of Indian institutions severing ties with Turkish universities on May 16, 2025. The institute canceled its MoU with Inonu University, emphasizing that international partnerships must align with India’s broader research and innovation objectives. The decision came shortly after similar actions by JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, and LPU, underscoring a strategic shift in how Indian universities approach global academic collaborations.

Geopolitical Context and Broader Implications

These decisions are rooted in escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly Turkey’s perceived alignment with Pakistan, a longstanding adversary of India. Reports suggest that Pakistan has used Turkish military technology, including drones, during conflicts with India, further straining diplomatic relations. This context likely influenced the wave of academic suspensions, reflecting a broader reassessment of international partnerships by Indian institutions.