In a courageous and committed decision showcasing national unity, Lovely Professional University (LPU) stands in record as the first Indian private university to revoke all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has officially withdrawn six academic collaborations with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, mentioning recent geopolitical events that it considers against India's national interest.
This historic move involves the instant cancellation of student and teacher exchange programs, collaborative research efforts, double degree programs, and all other types of academic cooperation with institutions in the two nations. The action follows the pro-Pakistan orientation of Türkiye and Azerbaijan in a recent bout of increased Indo-Pak tensions.
Declaring the decision, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founding Chancellor of LPU Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal said, "When our valiant armed forces are giving up their lives—be it in clandestine operations, air defense, or guarding our borders—we as an institution cannot turn a blind eye. Dr. Mittal added, "LPU's vision has always been one with India's development and integrity, and we shall never have anything to do with any institution that is against India's sovereignty."
Although diplomacy is the realm of governments, LPU's action conveys an influential message: the world of learning, too, has a moral obligation. National security is not only protected at borders but also has to be guarded in each classroom, boardroom, and global cooperation.