Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad has announced the immediate cancellation of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunus Emre Institute (YEI) of Turkey. The decision, revealed on Thursday, May 15, 2025, is a protest against Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan.
The now-cancelled five-year academic collaboration was initially signed on January 2, 2024. The agreement facilitated the introduction of a diploma course in the Turkish language at MANUU's School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology. As part of the MoU, a visiting professor from Turkey was brought in to teach the course. The university has confirmed that the professor has since returned to Turkey. The Yunus Emre Institute, according to its website, is affiliated with the Yunus Emre Foundation and promotes Turkish language and culture through cultural centers in other countries.
The decision to terminate the MoU was influenced by reports indicating Turkey's support for Pakistan, particularly concerning alleged intrusions using drones of possible Turkish origin. News reports quoted Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stating that Pakistan had used multiple drones, possibly of Turkish origin, for its intrusions from Leh to Sir Creek at several locations. MANUU's decision also follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities. MANUU took the decision after Turkey expressed its repeated support for Pakistan's stance on Kashmir on international platforms, including the UN General Assembly. India has strongly objected to Turkey's statements, calling them biased, unwarranted, and misinformed.
MANUU's action is part of a growing trend among Indian universities to sever or suspend ties with Turkish organizations. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) recently suspended an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University, citing national security concerns. Similarly, Jamia Millia Islamia has also suspended its partnerships with Turkish-affiliated institutions. JNU suspended its MoU with Inonu University on Wednesday, May 14, stating: “Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkiye stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation”. Jamia Millia Islamia also released a statement on X, saying: “Due to national security considerations, any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye stands suspended with immediate effect, until further orders. Jamia Millia Islamia stands firmly with the Nation”.
The now-cancelled collaboration between MANUU and YEI had enabled joint research work and projects, student exchange programs, cultural activities, and the exchange of faculty members.
