CSJMU (Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University) has formally cancelled its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Istanbul University, Turkiye, in protest of Turkiye’s alleged support for countries opposing India’s sovereignty. The move was made official by CSJMU Vice-Chancellor Vinay Pathak, who has officially intimated the cancellation to Istanbul University representatives.
The MoU, signed in November 2023, initially had the objective of promoting academic cooperation, collaborative research, and exchange of faculty and students. However, the CSJMU administration chose to abandon the partnership in reaction to Turkiye’s increasing rapprochement with Pakistan, a nation viewed as being openly hostile to India’s national interests.
VC Pathak declared, “We have written to Istanbul University about the regrettable but unavoidable situation that resulted in CSJMU formally ending the MoU.” He went on to clarify that the university was not able to proceed with academic collaboration with an institution in a country that allies itself with India’s strategic enemies.
“Turkiye’s move is a direct result of the consequential geopolitical position taken by Turkiye in propping up a country openly opposed to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Pathak stated. He continued that although scholarly achievement and global cooperation are precious, “nothing comes above the nation.”
CSJMU’s daring choice has begun a national debate: Should CSJMU and other Indian universities reevaluate academic associations that conflict with India’s sovereign interests?
As per the cancelled MoU, CSJMU students were supposed to gain from experience with international academic practices, collaborative research initiatives, and innovation-based programs. Pathak, however, insisted that these benefits cannot be at the expense of national security or pride. “It is our strong conviction that a institution linked, directly or implicitly, to a strategic partner of Pakistan cannot remain viewed as a respectable academic partner,” he asserted.
He also insisted that CSJMU’s global collaborations are to be prioritized in line with the strategic and sovereign interests of India. The VC stressed that UG institutions have to be keenly watchful in safeguarding national interests despite global alliances.
In his letter to Istanbul University, Pathak was categorical that the leadership of the university could not turn a blind eye to Turkiye’s increasing proximity to Pakistan when India is fighting terrorism on all fronts. “We need to send across a clear message that CSJMU does not allow academic associations with those who do not respect India’s integrity and unity,” he stated.
The issue has assumed a larger dimension as Pathak, who is also AIU President, called on all vice-chancellors and the head of academics from all over the country to re-examine their respective institution’s foreign alliances. “I appeal to all fellow VCs to look beyond conventional scholarly disciplines and take a just and patriotic stance,” he added.
Pathak urged instant reviews—and where needed—suspension or cancellation of partnerships, MoUs, and educational exchanges with universities in Pakistan, Turkiye, and Bangladesh, where credible evidence points to anti-India narratives or support for terror.
“Let the world see that India’s educational institutions are united in their condemnation of terrorism and in defence of the country’s sovereignty,” he said. “CSJMU and other Indian universities should not collaborate with any organization that attempts to destroy India’s integrity or that threatens the lives of its citizens.”
The geopolitical gesture follows hot on the heels of India’s military forces unleashing Operation Sindoor against the Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 Indian civilians. The operation, which neutralised more than 100 terrorists, has been highly endorsed domestically. Turkiye’s denunciation of India’s action and vociferous backing for Pakistan, however, invited bitter criticism.
Meanwhile, in similar developments, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has also allegedly terminated its MoU with a Turkish university due to such concerns. The hue and cry against Turkiye is finding resonance outside the academic community too, with Indian tourists boycotting Turkish products and cancelling holidays in the country. Touring websites like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have put out advisories against traveling to Turkiye, again highlighting the widening gap.
Educational and trade diplomatic relations between India and Turkiye will also experience strain, given New Delhi rethinking its alignment with Ankara considering its pro-Pakistan stance.
For the moment, CSJJMU sticks to its position, reiterating the theme that academic diplomacy cannot be compromised on the expense of national honor and sovereignty. The university action represents a novel but important role of geopolitics affecting academic diplomacy in India.
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