LPU terminates MoUs with Türkiye, Azerbaijan

In a bold and principled move reflecting national solidarity, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (LPU), has become the first private university to terminate all memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has ended six academic partnerships with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, 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 a recent period of heightened Indo-Pak tensions.

Announcing the decision, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament 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. Dr Mittal remarked, “The 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.”