'Nation First': JNU suspends MoU with Turkish university amid backlash against the Middle East country over Op. Sindoor
New Delhi/IBNS: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkey's Inonu University amid backlash against the Middle East country, which offered support to Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor.
Located in Delhi, JNU, which is one of the premier central universities, cited "national security" as the reason behind suspending the MoU.
The official X handle of the university said, "Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation."
Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Türkiye stands suspended until further notice.
— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) May 14, 2025
JNU stands with the Nation. #NationFirst @rashtrapatibhvn @VPIndia @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @EduMinOfIndia
As per the MoU, the plans were made for exchanges of faculty and students between the two universities.
Turkey, which was supported by India during the earthquake, criticised India's strike at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan through Operation Sindoor, which was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan also unsuccessfully used Turkish drones to target India which excelled relying largely on Indian-made weapons.
Prioritising the country's interest, several traders have boycotted products from Turkey.
Several travel companies have cancelled bookings to the Middle East nation, which is one of the highly ranked travel destinations.
Multiple vendors in Uttar Pradesh have pledged to sever all business ties with Turkey.
Operation Dost - India's support for Turkey in 2023
India had launched Operation Dost, a humanitarian mission, in response to the devastating 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes.
The initiative by the India government had aimed to provide search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief assistance to the affected regions.
India swiftly rushed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, medical personnel, and relief materials via Indian Air Force C-17 aircrafts for the support.
The operation included setting up a 30-bed field hospital, equipped with X-ray machines, ventilators, and cardiac monitors, to treat survivors of the earthquake.
