Taking strong stand against Turkey and Azerbaijan over support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and and the subsequent escalation of conflict with India, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu on Saturday said putting Nation first, Chandigarh University (CU) -- India’s number 1 private university – has severed its academic collaborations with 23 Turkish and Azerbaijani Universities.
Announcing this decision, Sandhu, said, “The vision of Chandigarh University has always remained aligned to the spirit of Nation First and in line with that vision, we have decided to terminate all our educational ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Nothing is more important to us when it comes to national security, and we won't compromise on anything when it comes to the integrity and sovereignty of India."
Sandhu added, "As has been clearly stated by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the perpetrators of terrorism and those helping them won't be spared at any cost, Chandigarh University stands united with the entire nation in the fight against terrorism and those sponsoring it. We cannot continue ties with nations which are responsible for taking lives of our innocent civilians and soldiers of Indian Armed Forces. I urge Indian students to not pursue their higher education at Turkish and Azerbaijani Universities. Instead prefer taking admission in India-friendly nations. We, as responsible citizens of the nation, must stand united and cut all kinds of ties or support to these nations who have acted directly or indirectly against our national interests,” he said.
Sandhu said under these 23 MoUs, Chandigarh University was having collaboration with the higher education institutions in Turkiye and Azerbaijan for exchange of students for regular courses, research, exchange of faculty and staff.
“But it is really unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite having received India’s goodwill, assistance, and strategic support during difficult times, have now aligned themselves with Pakistan which is known all over the world for its ties to terrorism. This stance not only undermines India’s sovereignty and national interests but also deeply offends the sentiments of 140 Crore Indians. So we (Chandigarh University) has decided to end our academic collaborations with the universities in Turkiye and Azerbaijan as nation comes first. We will not have alliance with those who support sponsor of terrorism Pakistan,” he added.
The Rajya Sabha MP Sandhu further said “At a time when our Armed forces are putting their lives on the line to protect the nation, we as an educational institution cannot stay silent. Chandigarh University has decided to terminate all agreements with countries that support Pakistan, a known sponsor of terrorism. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm stance against terrorism, every institution must stand with the nation. We will never associate with any entity that undermines India's sovereignty and unity.,".
This Chandigarh University move comes after both Turkey and Azerbaijan openly showed support for Pakistan despite its support for cross-border terrorism against India and its aggression after the Indian Armed Forces struck nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
While Azerbaijan, in its statement on India-Pakistan tensions, has echoed the Pakistani line. Turkey expressed its solidarity with Pakistan and supported Islamabad's proposal for an international investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey has also supplied military weapons to Pakistan.
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