The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced the suspension of all its academic agreements with Turkish universities, citing the current geopolitical situation involving Turkiye. In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the institute stated, “Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice.”

The move affects existing student and faculty exchange programmes between IIT Bombay and several institutions in Turkiye. The decision marks a growing trend among Indian universities responding to diplomatic strains involving Ankara’s stance on regional security issues.

IIT Roorkee and Others Take Similar Stance

IIT Bombay’s decision comes shortly after IIT Roorkee formally cancelled its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Turkiye. The MoU aimed to foster academic and research collaboration, including faculty and student exchange, was terminated with immediate effect. IIT Roorkee said it was acting in the interest of the nation.

Jamia, JNU, MANUU Follow Suit

Several other Indian institutions have also taken similar measures. Jamia Millia Islamia suspended all MoUs with Turkish universities, explicitly citing national security concerns. The university declared its full support for the Indian government, criticising Turkiye’s military support to Pakistan, including the supply of drones and arms used during the recent conflict.

Earlier, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suspended its MoU with Inonu 

University in Malatya, while the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) terminated its agreement with the Yunus Emre Institute. Both institutions cited Turkiye’s support for Pakistan as the primary reason behind their decisions.

Backdrop: Operation Sindoor and Heightened Tensions

The academic cutbacks come in the wake of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam valley, which claimed 26 lives, including one Nepalese worker. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and across the border, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists.

Turkiye’s Position Draws Sharp Criticism

Turkiye’s condemnation of India’s military actions and its backing of Pakistan have drawn criticism from Indian policymakers and institutions. As a result, Indian universities are increasingly choosing to sever academic ties with Turkish counterparts.