IIT Bombay suspends ties with Turkish universities amid backlash over Turkey’s military aid to Pakistan
Mumbai: In a strong response to Turkey’s reported military support to Pakistan, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has suspended all academic collaborations with Turkish universities. The move follows nationwide outrage over Turkey’s involvement during the Indo-Pak flare-up after the Pahalgam terror attack.
“In view of the current geopolitical developments involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is suspending its agreements with Turkish institutions until further notice,” the institute stated.
This decision comes amid reports that Turkish-made kamikaze drones were used by Pakistan, and Turkish military personnel, aircraft, and a warship were deployed in support of Islamabad. Turkish President Erdogan’s phone call to PM Shehbaz Sharif during the crisis further amplified calls in India for a diplomatic and academic boycott.
IIT Bombay joins institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia, both of which have already suspended MoUs with Turkish counterparts citing national interest.
The University of Delhi is also reassessing its foreign partnerships, and traders and travel platforms across India are distancing themselves from Turkish products and tourism amid the ongoing backlash.
