Amid escalating tensions and diplomatic developments between India and Turkey, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has decided to terminate all MoUs with institutions in Turkey and Azerbaijan.
This comes after reports that Turkey-made drones were used by Pakistan against India during the Operation Sindhoor which was an outcome of the killing of 26 innocent Indian civilians by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.
Recent reports also revealed that two Turkish military operatives were also killed as part of Operation Sindhoor revealing that Turkey not just helped Pakistan in its war against India with over 350 drones, but also with operators on ground.
With this, LPU became the first private university in India to take a strong stand on national security. Six MoUs with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan terminated with immediate effect according to the varsity officials.
“In a bold and principled move reflecting national solidarity, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has become the first private university in India to terminate all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has formally ended six academic partnerships with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing recent geopolitical developments that it deems contrary to India’s national interest,” they said in an official communication.
This decision has a multi-pronged impact and includes the immediate termination of student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, dual degree initiatives, and all other forms of academic collaboration with institutions from the two countries. The move comes in response to the pro-Pakistan stance of Türkiye and Azerbaijan during a recent period of heightened Indo-Pak tensions.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, stated, “When our brave armed forces are risking their lives—whether in covert operations, air defense, or patrolling our borders—we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent. Dr. Mittal remarked, “LPU’s mission has always been aligned with the growth and integrity of India, and we will never associate with any institution that undermines India’s sovereignty.”
While diplomacy is the domain of governments, LPU’s action sends a powerful message: the academic world, too, bears a moral responsibility. National security is not safeguarded solely at the borders—it must be defended in every classroom, boardroom, and international collaboration.
This move comes days after travel agencies began cancelling flights to Turkey and Azerbaijan expressing solidarity with the Indian Army resulting in a sharp decline in tourism to the two countries which had emerged as popular tourist destinations in 2024.