LPU Terminates MoUs with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, Cites National Security Concerns

Becomes first private university in India to take such a stand; joins IIT Roorkee, JNU, Jamia in cutting ties with Turkish institutions

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has terminated all its academic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing national security concerns in light of the two countries’ recent pro-Pakistan positions during heightened Indo-Pak tensions. With this move, LPU has become the first private university in India to sever such ties in a show of academic solidarity with the country’s strategic interests.

The decision affects six MoUs involving student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and dual degree collaborations. All such engagements with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan have been cancelled with immediate effect.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, said, “When our brave armed forces are risking their lives—whether in covert operations, air defence, or patrolling our borders—we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent. LPU’s mission has always been aligned with the growth and integrity of India, and we will never associate with any institution that undermines India’s sovereignty.”

He added that while diplomacy is the responsibility of the government, academic institutions also bear a moral duty to support national interests. “National security is not safeguarded solely at the borders—it must be defended in every classroom, boardroom, and international collaboration,” Dr. Mittal stated.

LPU’s action aligns it with several major public institutions that have taken similar steps in recent months. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, and IIT Roorkee have all announced the termination of their MoUs with Türkiye’s İnönü University over similar concerns. JNU was the first to suspend its partnership in April, followed by IIT Roorkee and Jamia in early May.

These decisions come amidst increasing scrutiny of international academic partnerships in light of geopolitical developments. LPU’s move signals that national security has become a decisive factor even in the realm of global academic collaboration.

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