JNU Cancels MoU with Turkey’s Inonu University Citing ‘National Security’

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th May: In a move reflecting India’s toughening stance on countries backing Pakistan, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has cancelled its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkey’s Inonu University, citing “national security considerations.” The decision comes amid heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor and Turkey’s open support for Islamabad.

JNU, one of India’s leading academic institutions, made the announcement in a post on social media platform X, declaring, “JNU stands with the nation.” The university confirmed that it had “suspended the MoU with Inonu University due to national security considerations.”

According to details on JNU’s website, the agreement was signed on February 3, 2025, for a three-year period, and was originally scheduled to run until February 2, 2028.

The move coincides with India’s growing discontent over Turkey’s political positioning and the alleged use of Turkish-made drones by Pakistan during the recent cross-border conflict. The cancellation also follows the Indian government’s temporary blocking of Turkish news channel TRT World’s X account for “spreading misinformation and propaganda against India.”

Rising Anti-Turkey Sentiment
Turkey’s strong support for Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack — in which 26 civilians were killed — and during India’s military response under Operation Sindoor has sparked nationwide anger. Turkish-origin drones reportedly used by Pakistan to target Indian military installations have further intensified outrage.

On May 10, both India and Pakistan agreed to halt military operations following four days of intense drone and missile exchanges. However, the diplomatic fallout continues to unfold, with Indian sentiment turning sharply against Turkish products, companies, and services.

Travel Industry Responds
The diplomatic strain has spilled into the tourism sector as well. Online travel booking giants MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have reported a surge in cancellations and a sharp decline in interest among Indian tourists for Turkey and Azerbaijan—two countries that openly criticized India’s military action.

MakeMyTrip, while still offering bookings to these destinations, released a public statement saying, “We stand in solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We have already discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations.”

Trade and Diplomatic Ties Under Strain
Experts suggest that bilateral trade between India and Turkey may also come under pressure if Ankara continues to align with Pakistan on issues concerning Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. The Indian government has not officially commented on trade sanctions but is reportedly reviewing economic engagements with Turkey in light of recent developments.