Lovely Professional University terminates all MoUs with Türkiye and Azerbaijan

In a principled move reflecting national solidarity, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, 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, citing recent geopolitical developments that it deems contrary to India’s national interest.

This unprecedented decision includes the immediate termination of student and faculty exchange programmes, 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 the recent period of heightened Indo-Pakistan tensions.

Announcing the decision, 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 defence, or patrolling our borders — we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent.

He 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.”