Decision Follows Turkey's Support to Pakistan During 'Operation Sindoor'
Mumbai, May 18 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has suspended all academic agreements with Turkish universities, citing Turkey’s support to Pakistan during the recent escalation of tensions with India.In an official post on X, the premier 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 institute currently has ongoing faculty exchange programmes with select institutions in Turkey.
This move aligns with a growing response from Indian academic institutions following Turkey’s backing of Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor’, a military operation that has heightened diplomatic strain between India and its neighboring countries.
Earlier, IIT Roorkee had also taken a firm stance by formally cancelling its memorandum of understanding with Inonu University in Turkey. Emphasizing its commitment to national interest, the institute posted on X, "The Institute remains committed to fostering global collaborations that reflect its academic priorities and uphold national interest."
Similarly, Chandigarh University, a private institution, has severed academic ties with 23 universities from Turkey and Azerbaijan, reiterating its disapproval of their political alignment with Pakistan during the ongoing conflict.
These decisions reflect a broader trend among Indian educational institutions to align international collaborations with national diplomatic priorities.