JNU Suspends MoU With Turkey’s Inonu University Amid Boycott Calls For Backing Pakistan – News18

Last Updated:May 14, 2025, 19:14 IST

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended its MoU with Inonu University, Turkey, citing national security considerations.

In a significant development, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced the suspension of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Turkey, citing national security considerations. The decision comes as part of the university’s adherence to the government’s stance on national security and geopolitical sensitivities.

“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 post on X.

The cancellation of the MoU comes amid calls from several quarters of Indian society and industry bodies to sever diplomatic, trade and people-to-people ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan for their support to Pakistan via arms.

Turkish UAVs have been used by Pakistani forces, who intervened on behalf of terrorists, after India took out nine of their hideouts in Operation Sindoor earlier this month and brought the two neighbours on the brink of an all-out war, with Islamabad engaging in constant nuclear sabre-rattling.

Calls have been made to halt tourism to these two countries for their support to Pakistan and for not condemning Pakistan’s state policy of backing terrorists. Travel booking site MakeMyTrip said it is discouraging users from visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan as a patriotic gesture.

JNU, renowned for its strong academic programmes and diverse student body, has long been an institution engaged in international collaborations with universities worldwide. These collaborations often focus on research, faculty exchange programmes, and student mobility. The university has maintained partnerships with universities across various continents, promoting global academic dialogue and fostering international ties.

JNU’s partnerships, however, have occasionally been subject to scrutiny when national security or diplomatic issues are involved. Given the university’s high-profile nature in political and academic spheres, any international engagement has the potential to attract attention, especially when national interests are perceived to be at stake.

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