JNU suspends MoU with Turkish university citing national security concerns

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University, Türkiye, with immediate effect, citing national security considerations.

In a brief statement on Wednesday, the university said the suspension would remain in effect until further notice.

"Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation.," JNU said in a statement on X.



"It was like the other academic MoUs that JNU has signed. Mutual cooperation in research and teaching. Two schools are involved SLL&CS where there is one faculty who teaches Languages, Literature and Culture. SIS deals with Turkey in world affairs. JNU has suspended the MoU due to national security considerations as JNU stands with the Nation and the Armed Forces, many of whom are JNU Alumni," said JNU VC Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.

This decision by JNU comes as Indians throughout the subcontinent are criticising Turkiye for its decision to back Pakistan despite the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Kashmir's Baisaran Valley.

Earlier last week, New Delhi disclosed that Pakistan used Turkish-made SONGAR drones to target Indian locations after Indian armed forces' successful initiation of Operation Sindoor.

Compounding suspicions was the arrival of Turkish naval warship TCG BÜYÜKADA at Karachi port last Sunday, shortly after the Turkish military transport plane’s landing. Though Turkish authorities termed it a routine port call following a visit to Oman, Indian officials described the timing as "provocative and calculated."

While Islamabad and Ankara have long engaged in defence cooperation — including joint exercises and weapons sales — their coordination during an active standoff with India is being seen in New Delhi as a hostile signal.

Erdoğan backs Pakistan; ties with India remain strained

In the days following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan found itself diplomatically isolated, with even its Gulf allies maintaining silence. China, traditionally Pakistan’s staunchest supporter, struck a cautious note. But Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, appears to be doubling down on its Pakistan alignment, further straining ties with India.

Under Erdoğan’s rule, which began in 2003 and shifted into a more assertive geopolitical posture after 2014, Turkey’s foreign policy has become increasingly ideological — marked by attempts to reclaim influence across the Muslim world.

A key feature of this posture has been open support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, including at UN forums, especially since India revoked Article 370 in 2019. Ankara’s “Asia Anew” initiative, presented as an economic and diplomatic outreach, is viewed in India as part of Erdoğan’s broader neo-Ottoman ambition to position Türkiye as the voice of the global Muslim ummah.

India is responding to this realignment with a shift of its own. New Delhi has deepened strategic ties with Greece and Cyprus — historic rivals of Türkiye — through naval exercises and diplomatic engagement. It has also signed major defence deals with Armenia, including the supply of rocket systems and surveillance radars, effectively countering the Turkish-backed axis in the South Caucasus. At the same time, India continues to strengthen partnerships with France, the UAE, and Israel — regional actors wary of Erdoğan’s expansionism.