After JNU And Jamia, IIT Bombay Suspends Ties with Turkish Universities

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, May 18, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced the suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities, joining several prominent Indian institutions in distancing themselves from Turkey over its support for Pakistan.

The move follows revelations that Pakistan launched drone attacks on Indian civilian and military areas, using equipment supplied by Turkish defense firms, after the Indian operation known as Operation Sindoor.

"Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice," the institute stated on X, formerly Twitter.

This decision comes days after similar announcements by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi.

Indian Backlash Against Turkey and Azerbaijan

The fallout from Turkey’s stance has extended beyond academia, with Indian tourists and traders opting to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both nations have expressed open support for Pakistan amid heightened tensions.

Reports indicate that Turkey welcomed over 3 lakh Indian visitors in 2024, generating revenue of approximately ₹42.9 billion. Azerbaijan, which hosted more than 2 lakh Indian tourists last year, earned about ₹26 billion. However, these numbers are expected to decline sharply as Indian tourists cancel trips to both countries.

In the trade sector, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced a nationwide boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods. "The decision includes halting imports from these countries and discouraging any engagement with their companies or institutions," the CAIT said on Friday.

The traders’ body also urged Indian exporters and importers to cease commercial activities with Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing their recent support for Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7, was India’s response to uncovering cross-border links to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last month.

"The resolution comes in response to the recent stand taken by Turkey and Azerbaijan in open support of Pakistan, at a time when India is facing a sensitive and critical national security situation," the CAIT added.

This diplomatic row marks a significant shift in India’s engagement with these countries, with reverberations expected across multiple sectors, including education, tourism, and trade.