NEW DELHI: Lovely Professional University (LPU) has announced the termination of all its Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Turkey and Azerbaijan. The university has formally ended six academic partnerships, citing recent geopolitical developments that it views as contrary to India’s national interests.
The terminated agreements include student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, dual degree initiatives, and other academic collaborations with the two nations. LPU’s decision comes in the wake of Turkey and Azerbaijan’s pro-Pakistan stance during a period of heightened Indo-Pak tensions.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, emphasized the university’s unwavering commitment to national integrity. “When our brave armed forces are risking their lives—whether in covert operations, air defence, or patrolling our borders—we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent,” he stated.
Dr. Mittal further added, “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.”
This decisive action by LPU follows a similar move by Chandigarh University, which recently terminated its academic collaborations with 23 Turkish and Azerbaijani universities over their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Chandigarh University’s Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu emphasized that ‘Nation Comes First, India’s Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable,’ aligning CU’s actions with India’s stand against terrorism and its supporters.
These decisions by LPU and CU highlight how Indian educational institutions are now actively aligning their global partnerships with the nation’s strategic and security interests. While diplomacy remains the government’s domain, universities are sending a strong message that national security is a collective responsibility, extending from border posts to classrooms, boardrooms, and international collaborations.
