New Delhi, India: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced the suspension of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Turkiye, citing national security concerns. The decision comes amid heightened tensions following India’s recent military operation, ‘Operation Sindoor’, and growing public anger toward Turkiye and Azerbaijan.
In an official post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), JNU declared, “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation.”
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Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice.
— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) May 14, 2025
JNU stands with the Nation. #NationFirst @rashtrapatibhvn @VPIndia @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @EduMinOfIndia
The move aligns with widespread public sentiment after Turkiye and Azerbaijan publicly supported Pakistan in the wake of India’s military strikes. As a result, the tourism industry has also seen a ripple effect—over 15,000 travel bookings from Uttar Pradesh to Turkiye and Azerbaijan have reportedly been cancelled in recent days. Travel agencies and airlines are now issuing full refunds due to the evolving geopolitical situation.
The backdrop to these developments is Operation Sindoor, a pre-dawn military strike carried out on May 7 by Indian Armed Forces, targeting nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which has sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to defence sources, Pakistan attempted drone incursions at 36 different sites between Leh and Sir Creek on the night of May 8. Notably, the drones used were reportedly of Turkish origin, including models such as the ‘Asisguard Songar’ and UAVs labeled ‘Yiha’ or ‘YEEHAW’. Around 300 to 400 drones were involved in the attempted breach. The Indian military responded swiftly, neutralizing several drones using a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic defense methods.
Preliminary forensic analysis of drone debris confirmed the Turkish origin of several UAVs used during the attempted infiltration, further fueling domestic backlash against Turkiye.
The incident has once again demonstrated the deep connection between national sentiment and economic sectors like tourism. The Indian government’s firm stance, reinforced by public calls for a boycott of Turkiye and Azerbaijan, has triggered significant real-world consequences, including mass cancellations and disrupted bilateral engagements.
In a national address on May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed Operation Sindoor as part of a consistent national security doctrine. He stated, “After the surgical strike in 2016 and the air strike in 2019, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism.”