Jamia Millia Islamia Suspends MoU with Turkish Institutions Following JNU's Move
In a significant development echoing similar actions by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has officially suspended its Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions affiliated with Turkey. The move is being interpreted as part of a larger reassessment of international academic collaborations amid rising geopolitical sensitivities.
University officials confirmed that the decision was made after a thorough internal review, citing the need to align foreign institutional partnerships with national interests and security considerations. The suspended MoUs pertained to collaborative academic programs, research exchanges, and faculty/student mobility initiatives with Turkish universities and organizations.
This comes just weeks after JNU terminated similar academic agreements with Turkish institutions, raising speculation about a coordinated policy direction across Indian higher education institutions.
A senior university administrator, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“The university is committed to ensuring its global collaborations are in line with the evolving diplomatic and strategic framework of the country. While academic cooperation is important, national priorities cannot be overlooked.”
Although specific institutions from Turkey were not publicly named, previous collaborations included agreements with Turkish state universities, language programs, and cultural centers that had been active over the past decade.
Experts suggest that the move could be influenced by India’s diplomatic stance towards Turkey, which has in recent years taken positions critical of India on international platforms, especially concerning Kashmir.
While some academic circles have expressed concerns over the shrinking space for global educational ties, others argue it’s essential for universities to function within the broader framework of national security and foreign policy.
As of now, no further MoUs with Turkish institutions are expected to be signed until a clearer policy direction is established at the governmental level.
FAQ
Q1. Why did Jamia Millia Islamia suspend its MoUs with Turkish institutions?
A: The university suspended the agreements following a review of international partnerships in light of national interest, security considerations, and recent geopolitical tensions involving Turkey.
Q2. What kind of agreements were suspended?
A: The suspended MoUs involved academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, cultural programs, and faculty/student collaborations with Turkish universities and institutions.
Q3. Is this related to JNU’s recent decision?
A: Yes, Jamia’s decision mirrors that of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which also suspended its MoUs with Turkish institutions. Both universities appear to be aligning with a broader policy shift in Indian academia.
Q4. Will this impact students currently involved in exchange programs with Turkish institutions?
A: Existing students are unlikely to be immediately affected, but no new collaborations or exchange programs will be initiated with Turkish-affiliated institutions until further notice.
Q5. Has the government issued any formal directive for this action?
A: While no public directive has been issued, universities often receive confidential advisories from government agencies regarding sensitive international collaborations.
Q6. Which Turkish institutions were involved in the MoUs?
A: The university has not disclosed the specific names of the institutions, citing privacy and policy protocol.
Q7. Is Jamia suspending MoUs with other countries as well?
A: As of now, only Turkish-affiliated institutions are affected. However, further reviews of international partnerships are ongoing.
Publish on may 15,2025 by :selvi