New Delhi [India]: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University of Turkey, citing national security concerns and Ankara’s alleged support for terrorism. The announcement was made by JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, who emphasised that the decision aligns with the university’s commitment to national interests and solidarity with the Indian armed forces.
“JNU teaches the Turkish language and has 98 MoUs with institutions in different countries. However, we believe it is not appropriate to maintain relations with a country that supports terror and stabs India in the back,” said Pandit in a statement to ANI.
“Every civilian citizen is responsible for our national security… JNU is subsidised by Indian taxpayers, and our loyalty must lie with the Indian state.”
Solidarity with Indian Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor
The Vice-Chancellor voiced strong support for Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. The operation targeted terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), killing over 100 terrorists from groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).
“This is the first time a Prime Minister has shown such political will. While India has always had the technology, decisive leadership was needed. I salute PM Narendra Modi for showcasing India’s unmatched airpower to the world,” said Pandit.
Condemnation of Terrorism and Turkish Alignment with Pakistan
Condemning the Pahalgam attack as “barbaric”, Pandit blamed Pakistan directly and stressed that no religion preaches extremist violence of this kind.
“There is absolutely no doubt about Pakistan’s involvement. What happened in Pahalgam must be condemned by every civilised society. I’m glad India retaliated at a time and manner of its choosing, with restraint and strength,” she said.
India-Turkey diplomatic tensions escalated following Ankara’s public support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. In response, various civil and economic actors in India have begun taking action:
- Trader associations across India have called for a boycott of Turkish goods.
- Farmers in Himachal Pradesh have urged PM Modi to ban apple imports from Turkey and implement stricter quality controls on imported produce.
National Institutions and Loyalty to the State
The JNU VC also invoked the university’s legacy, noting that several top military officials, including current armed and naval chiefs, are JNU alumni.
“JNU stands with the nation and the armed forces. It is our duty to remain aligned with national interests. This decision reflects that commitment.”