IIT Bombay suspends Ties with Turkish Universities

• IIT Bombay suspends academic collaborations with Turkish institutions due to current geopolitical tensions.
• The decision aligns with other Indian universities like JNU, LPU, and IIT Roorkee, citing national security concerns.
• Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance and alleged ties to terrorism are key factors in India's academic disengagement trend.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has decided to suspend all academic collaborations with Turkish universities due to national security issues and geopolitical tensions.

The announcement on the institute’s official X account (@iitbombay) said, “Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice."

The institute highlighted that the suspension will persist “until further notice,” indicating a careful stance given the tense India-Turkey relations. 

Although the precise details of the geopolitical context were not outlined in the statement, the choice aligns with a trend observed in other Indian universities, indicating wider worries regarding Turkey’s foreign policy, especially its pro-Pakistan position and purported backing of terrorism-related groups.

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IIT Bombay is not the only one making this decision. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Lovely Professional University (LPU), and IIT Roorkee have recently ended or paused their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Turkey, citing issues of national security and interest.

JNU's Termination of MoU with Inonu University On May 14, 2025, JNU terminated its MoU with Inonu University in Malatya, Turkey, as stated by The Indian Express and Shiksha.com. 

The contract, executed on February 3 for a duration of three years, intended to promote cross-cultural research and student exchanges via JNU's School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies and School of Computer and Systems Sciences.

JNU's statement on X said, “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation. #NationFirst.” Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit added, “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 decision is made amidst increased tensions between India and Pakistan, with Turkey's support for Pakistan probably influencing the decision.