Latest news with #CSJMU
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kanpur university terminates MoU with Istanbul University citing Turkiye's hostility towards India
Kanpur , Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University has announced the immediate termination of its Memorandum of Understanding with Istanbul University, Turkiye, officials said. The decision stems from Turkiye's perceived alignment with nations overtly hostile to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to CSJMU authorities. CSJMU Vice-Chancellor Vinay Pathak confirmed he has sent a letter to Zulfikar, the Rector of Istanbul University, informing him of the termination. "We have informed Istanbul University in writing of the unfortunate but necessary circumstances that the CSJMU formally terminates the MoU recently executed," Pathak stated. Pathak further elaborated, "The decision stems directly from the grave geopolitical stance adopted by Turkiye in aligning itself with a nation that is overtly hostile to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity." He asserted, "It is our firm belief that an institution associated, directly or tacitly, with a strategic ally of Pakistan cannot continue to be regarded as a credible academic collaborator." The vice-chancellor emphasised that while academic excellence is crucial, "nothing stands above the nation." Interacting with media persons, the VC explained that the MoU signed in November last year aimed to promote academic and research collaboration as well as faculty exchange. Under the agreement, students were expected to benefit from exposure to international academic standards, joint research initiatives, and innovation-driven programmes. In his letter, Pathak made it clear that CSJMU's international partnerships must align with India's sovereign and strategic interests. In his capacity as president of the Association of Indian Universities , Vinay Pathak has also issued an appeal to all fellow VCs and academic leaders across India. He urged them "to rise above traditional academic boundaries and take a principled and patriotic stand." Pathak called for an immediate review and, if necessary, suspension or termination of "any partnerships, MoUs, exchange programmes, or research ties with universities or institutions in Pakistan, Turkiye, and Bangladesh where there is clear evidence of support for anti-India views or terrorist propaganda." "Let us send a resolute and dignified message to the world: India's academic institutions stand united in condemnation of terrorism and in defence of the nation's sovereignty. We will not cooperate with any entity that undermines the integrity of our country or endangers the lives of its people," Pathak said. India's trade relations with Turkiye are also expected to come under strain due to Ankara backing Islamabad and condemning Indian Armed Forces' Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack. Indians are also boycotting Turkish goods and cancelling their trips to the West Asian country with online travel platforms, such as EaseMyTrip and Ixigo, issuing advisories against visiting these nations.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Turkiye support to Pakistan: CSJM varsity cancels MoU with Istanbul Univ
The Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) has cancelled its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Istanbul University, Turkiye, in light of the recent developments. The move follows reports of Turkiye providing support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, including the supply of drones intended for use against India. Vice-Chancellor of CSJMU and president of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Prof Vinay Pathak, said that academic excellence is important, but nothing stands above the nation. In a formal letter addressed to the rector of Istanbul University, Prof Pathak said the MoU has been terminated with immediate effect. 'The position adopted by Turkey in recent events is openly hostile towards India. Entering or continuing any form of collaboration with institutions associated—either directly or tacitly—with a strategic partner of Pakistan is not in national interest,' said Prof Pathak. The MoU, originally signed to promote academic exchange and research collaboration in November, 2024, was part of CSJMU's broader effort to connect with reputed global institutions to enhance educational opportunities for its students. Under the agreement, students were expected to benefit from exposure to international academic standards, joint research initiatives, and innovation-driven programmes. The university has made it clear that its international partnerships must align with India's sovereign and strategic interests. The cancellation comes amid growing protests across the country in response to Turkiye's alleged role in supporting activities perceived to threaten India's security.
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Nation's Dignity Above Academics': Kanpur University Scraps MoU With Turkish University
Last Updated: The Vice Chancellor of Kanpur University cancelled the MoU with a Turkish university, citing national sovereignty over Turkey's stance following Operation Sindoor. Vice Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak, has announced the cancellation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish university, citing national interest and concerns over Turkey's stance following Operation Sindoor. Pathak shared that the agreement was initially signed in November 2023 after a visit to Turkey. 'I went to a conference in Turkey, went to a university in Istanbul and met their rector Zulfikar. We signed an MoU in November after a discussion for combined research," he told news agency ANI. #WATCH | Kanpur, UP | Vice Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Vinay Kumar Pathak says, 'I went to a conference in Turkey, went to a University in Istanbul and met their rector Zulfikar. We signed an MoU in November after a discussion for combined research…… — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2025 However, the developments after Operation Sindoor, where Turkish drones were reportedly spotted in India, prompted a serious rethink. 'When we saw after Operation Sindoor that drones of Turkey have come to India and Turkey is acting like the enemy of India, we immediately cancelled the MoU and informed them that academics are not greater than the sovereignty and dignity of the country. We will not do MoU with any enemy country," the Vice Chancellor said. Prof Pathak, who also serves as the President of All Indian Universities, said he has urged his peers to take similar action. 'I have written in the group of Vice Chancellors that if we have any MoU with any of the enemy countries — Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey or any other — they must be immediately revoked," he said. He further advised Indian scholars and students to reconsider academic engagements with such nations. 'I suggest that our people should not go to these countries since their economy depends on us," he added. The MoU between CSJMU and Istanbul University was a general agreement aimed at facilitating student and faculty exchange programmes. First Published: May 15, 2025, 15:27 IST
