Boycott Turkey: Five Indian universities sever academic ties with Turkish institutions over Pakistan support — Full list

Boycott Turkey: In the wake of Turkey's open support for Pakistan and its criticism of India's Operation Sindoor, the India-Pakistan conflict now runs deeper than ever, with Turkey facing the brunt.

After Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Jamia Millia (JMI) recently suspended their existing academic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish institutions, three other universities have taken similar steps.

To date, a total of five Indian universities have either suspended or cancelled their MoUs with Turkish academic institutions.

Kanpur University cancels MoU with Turkey

Kanpur University, i.e. Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), on Friday, announced the immediate termination of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Istanbul University, Turkiye, officials said.

As per university authorities, the decision stems from Turkiye's perceived alignment with nations overtly hostile to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

LPU cancels MoU with Turkey

Lovely Professional University, in Punjab, formally ended six academic partnerships with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing recent geopolitical developments that it deems contrary to India’s national interest.

MANUU cancels MoU with Turkey

Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on Thursday, cancelled its academic MoU with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey with immediate effect.

“This decision is taken in protest against Turkey's support for Pakistan's terrorist activities in the backdrop of Indo-Pak tensions,” reads a statement by MANUU.

The Maulana Azad National Urdu University had signed an MoU with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey, for a period of five years, under which a diploma in Turkish language was started at the university's school of languages.

JMI cancels MoU with Turkey

Before MANUU, the Jamia Millia University (JMI) in Delhi had cancelled its MoU with Turkish institutions with “immediate effect.”

JNU cancels MoU with Turkey

On May 14, Wednesday, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which is also located in the capital city, suspended its academic ties with Turkey's Inonu University, citing national security considerations. JNU was the first Indian academic institution to take such a step following Turkey's support for Pakistan.

Divided by locations, united by cause?

While all five universities are located in different places—MANUU in Hyderabad, CSJMU in Kanpur, JNU, JMI in Delhi—what stands at the core of the suspension of their MoUs with Turkey is ‘national security' and Turkey's open support for Pakistan.

“Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation. #NationFirst,” JNU had posted on X, while declaring the suspension of its MoU.

Backlash against Turkey

Turkey's latest diplomatic rift with India threatens to strain the longstanding trade and investment ties between the two nations, with potential economic fallout for Turkey’s already fragile economy.

On Wednesday, a MakeMyTrip spokesperson said that Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60 per cent, while cancellations have surged by 250 per cent during the same period.