The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has officially terminated its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University in Türkiye. In a formal letter, the institute stated that the agreement had established a framework for possible academic and research cooperation, including faculty and student exchanges.
“IIT Roorkee remains committed to aligning its international engagements with the national interest. The Institute continues to actively pursue collaborations with global partners that are in harmony with its academic objectives and the broader vision of strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem,” the institute stated.
The move comes in the wake of similar actions by other prominent Indian universities, which have begun distancing themselves from Turkish institutions in response to recent geopolitical tensions.
Earlier this week, Jamia Millia Islamia announced the suspension of all MoUs with Turkish institutions, citing “national security” as the reason. The university issued a statement declaring its support for the nation in light of Türkiye’s reported military support to Pakistan during the latter’s recent conflict with India, including the supply of drones and arms.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also suspended its MoU with Inonu University in Malatya, while the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad ended its agreement with the Yunus Emre Institute. Both universities cited Türkiye’s alignment with Pakistan as the basis for the termination of ties.
These coordinated decisions reflect a broader trend among Indian educational institutions to reassess international partnerships in accordance with evolving national security considerations.
