New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Wednesday announced the suspension of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Turkey, citing national security concerns.
The boycott of Turkish goods and services in India has intensified following Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan in the aftermath of India’s military action under Operation Sindoor. Besides, the alleged use of Turkish-origin drones by Pakistan to breach Indian airspace have triggered strong public and political backlash in India.
In a statement issued on its official X handle Wednesday, JNU said, “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation.”
JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Pandit said two schools from JNU were involved: the School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SLL&CS) and the School of International Studies (SIS), under the MoU. “While a faculty [from Inonu University] is there who teaches Languages, Literature and Culture in SLL&CS, 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,” the VC said.
According to university officials, the MoU was signed in February this year to facilitate academic collaboration. “JNU has nearly 80 active MoUs with universities across the globe for research collaboration, as well as student and faculty exchange. This agreement was purely academic in nature, just like the others,” a senior JNU official told ThePrint on condition of anonymity.
The university currently holds academic MoUs with institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, and several other countries. Inonu University was the only university from Turkey having an active MoU with JNU at present.
Also Read: How 4-day India-Pakistan conflict made travel agents cancel Turkey, Azerbaijan bookings
‘Boycott Turkey’ calls grow
Condemning Türkiye’s military support to Pakistan, the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urged the government Wednesday to temporarily suspend direct flights to Türkiye and revoke aviation codeshare privileges until it ceases supplying defence equipment to Pakistan.
There is also growing demand for a tourism boycott of both Turkey and Azerbaijan, following Ankara and Baku’s support for Islamabad and their criticism of India’s strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.
There are online campaigns on social media for the same.
According to media reports, MakeMyTrip has seen a 60 percent decline in bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, accompanied by a sharp rise in cancellations.
Besides, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Wednesday issued a statement urging the Indian film industry to avoid shooting films in Turkey in the future.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)