Desk: In a stern move against Turkey for supporting its ally Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India has taken significant action targeting Turkish interests. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of a Turkish company operating at nine major Indian airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced this decision on Thursday evening, stating that Celebi Ground Handling India Pvt. Ltd. has been stripped of its security clearance with immediate effect in the interest of national security.
The Indian unit of Turkey-based Celebi provides services at nine airports—Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa (GOX), Ahmedabad, and Chennai. The BCAS order stated:
“The security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.”
Pakistan had reportedly used Turkish drones extensively during its confrontation with India. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have vocally supported Pakistan and criticized India’s targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during Operation Sindoor.
First Major Public Action Against a Turkish Company
This marks the first major and direct action by India against a Turkish company. A comprehensive review of all agreements and projects involving Turkish firms has been initiated. Turkish businesses are active in India across aviation, metro rail, IT, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Post-Operation Sindoor, the Indian government appears determined to teach Turkey a lesson. Public sentiment is also shifting, with widespread calls for boycotts of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods and services.
Notably, over the past few years, India has been strengthening ties with Turkey’s traditional rivals—Greece, Armenia, Cyprus, and Arab powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Indian Universities Suspend Ties with Turkish Institutions
On Wednesday, several Indian academic institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia, either suspended or began reviewing their collaborations with Turkish universities.
JNU suspended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inonu University of Turkey, which had included faculty and student exchange programs over a three-year period. JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said:
“JNU has suspended the MoU keeping national security in mind. JNU stands with the nation and the armed forces, many of whom are our alumni.”
Similarly, Jamia Millia Islamia’s Public Relations Officer, Professor Saima Saeed, confirmed:
“Jamia has suspended all collaborations with Turkish institutions citing national security. We stand with the government and the nation. Everything is on hold until further notice.”
Delhi University (DU) is also reportedly reviewing its international academic partnerships and may follow suit.