Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
NEW DELHI: Jamia Millia Islamia has put on hold all its academic collaborations with Turkish institutions, joining a growing list of Indian universities distancing themselves from Ankara over its public support for Pakistan. “We have suspended all MoUs with institutions affiliated with Turkey. Jamia stands with the nation and the Government of India,” university spokesperson Professor Saima Saeed told ANI. This comes just days after Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) formally halted its partnership with Inonu University in Malatya, citing “national security concerns”. JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said, “Turkey has openly backed Pakistan, and that cannot be ignored.” The memorandum, signed on 3 February 2025, was initially set to continue until 2028. Pandit stressed that as a taxpayer-funded institution, JNU could not maintain ties with countries seen as hostile. “JNU is fully subsidised by Indian citizens. If the Indian state is being undermined, how can we continue ties with a country like Turkey? As an academic and citizen, my security is at risk–and that of every Indian,” she added. The wave of institutional disengagement mirrors a larger boycott trend gaining traction across India. Several citizens and online platforms have begun distancing themselves from Turkish and Azerbaijani products and services following accusations that both nations have aligned diplomatically and militarily with Pakistan. Online travel companies like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have witnessed a notable spike in trip cancellations to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Many customers cited the two countries’ “anti-India stance” as the driving factor behind their decisions. Anger among the public escalated after Turkish-origin military drones were linked to a mass drone infiltration attempt from across the border. On the night of May 8, Indian security forces shot down between 300 and 400 drones allegedly launched from Pakistan, targeting areas stretching from Leh to Sir Creek. Initial forensic analysis of the downed drones pointed to the use of the Turkish-manufactured Songar combat drone model made by Asisguard, raising further concerns about Ankara’s military support to Islamabad.
Mayank Rawat
