JNU Suspends MoU With Turkish University Over National Security

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has delayed its academic collaboration with Inonu University in Turkey because of national security concerns. Earlier this year, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, which is now deferred indefinitely.

The move is reflective of the alignment of the university with India's larger diplomatic and security standing, particularly in light of heightened tensions with Ankara. “Due to national security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye, stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the nation,” the university said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

According to JNU’s records, the agreement was formalised on February 3, 2025, and was intended to remain in effect until February 2028. The partnership included the exchange of students, research cooperation, and teacher mobility.

But the move to pull out of the partnership is made at a time when India and Turkey have tense diplomatic relations. The Indian government recently acted against Turkish broadcaster TRT World, suspending its social media handles for spreading anti-India propaganda. The broadcaster has been accused of misrepresenting facts around India’s military operation in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Tensions further escalated after reports emerged that drones used by Pakistan during recent cross-border strikes were of Turkish origin. These events have prompted demands for a boycott of Turkish commodities and services in India, with some travel websites citing a steep fall in demand to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Tour operators such as MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have recorded large-scale cancellations, although they still show flights to these destinations. “We stand in solidarity with our nation and have discontinued all promotions related to Turkey and Azerbaijan,” MakeMyTrip said in a statement.

As India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 following days of military exchange, the diplomatic fallout is beginning to impact educational and commercial ties — with JNU’s suspension of the MoU being one of the clearest institutional responses so far.