JNU Suspends MoU with Türkiye’s Inonu University Over National Security Concerns

The suspension follows Turkey’s active support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, which intensified after India’s “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Türkiye, citing national security concerns amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions. The announcement, made was shared through JNU’s official X handle (@JNU_official_50), stating: “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation. #NationFirst @rashtrapatibhvn @VPIndia @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @EduMinOfIndia.”

The decision comes just months after the MoU was signed on February 3, 2025, aimed at fostering academic collaboration.

The suspension follows Turkey’s active support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, which intensified after India’s “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025. The operation targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, alleged to be planning attacks. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, has been a significant arms supplier—second only to China—providing drones used in attacks against India, as noted in a May 11, 2025.

Turkey’s STM is also upgrading Pakistan’s Agosta 90B submarines, bolstering its military capabilities. This support, coupled with Turkey’s historical stance on Kashmir, including President Erdogan’s 2023 UN speech advocating dialogue, has strained India-Turkey relations. Although Erdogan skipped mentioning Kashmir in 2024, Turkey’s recent backing of Pakistan during the conflict, alongside China and Azerbaijan, prompted India to reassess ties.

Meanwhile, the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is set for June 2025, following December 2024. Conducted by the National Testing Agency in 83 subjects, UGC NET determines eligibility for assistant professorships, potentially impacting JNU’s faculty hiring amid its review of international partnerships. JNU’s move reflects a broader trend among Indian institutions to prioritize national security in academic collaborations.

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