IIM Kozhikode Ends MoU with Sabanci University, Turkiye

• IIM Kozhikode terminated its MoU with Sabanci University, Turkiye, signed in September 2023.
• The decision aligns with India’s national priorities amid diplomatic tensions.
• Similar actions were taken by top Indian institutions citing national interest.

In a decision that aligns with India's evolving global position in accordance with national priorities, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has ended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sabanci University, Turkiye.

The decision follows closely after multiple top Central institutions cancelled collaboration with Turkish universities due to Turkiye's public backing of Pakistan during increased diplomatic tensions with India.

The contract, initially signed in September 2023 for five years, specified academic cooperation in the field of student exchange. However, considering recent advancements and influenced by national priorities, IIM Kozhikode has independently chosen to cancel the agreement and end all related academic activities, a press statement released by IIMK on Tuesday stated.

Also Read: IIT Bombay suspends Ties with Turkish Universities

“As advised by the Competent Authority, this is to inform that our Institute, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, hereby terminates Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with your University, Sabanci University, Turkey, with immediate effect. Consequently, all academic partnerships and associated activities are hereby cancelled in view of national interest,” reads the notification.

The institution has officially informed Sabanci University of its decision and has asked for the removal of IIMK’s name and connection from all records, websites, and related platforms of Turkish universities.

Commenting on the development, Professor Debashis Chatterjee, director of IIMK, said, “At IIM Kozhikode, we place utmost importance on aligning our global engagements with the national interest.”

This action coincides with similar choices made by various Indian universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Lovely Professional University, and IIT Roorkee, which have recently reviewed or reduced international partnerships that might not fit India’s strategic or diplomatic stance.