India defends arms exports to Israel amid allegations of use against Palestinians
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed concerns in Parliament on Friday about India’s arms exports to Israel amid allegations of their use in the ongoing conflict in Palestine. He emphasized that India’s decisions regarding exports are driven by "national interests" and commitments to "various international regimes."
The statement came in response to a query by MP John Brittas, who referenced a meeting between Palestine's Minister of State in the Foreign Office and Indian Ambassador Renu Yadav. During the meeting, Palestine reportedly requested India to reconsider its arms supplies to Israel, citing their alleged use against Palestinian civilians.
Jaishankar stated, "The issue of India’s exports, including those with military implications, is guided by our national interest and our commitments to various regimes." He further highlighted India’s adherence to global agreements like the Wassenaar Arrangement and explained that export decisions are made through a stringent control and licensing process.
Reiterating India's close ties with Israel, Jaishankar added, “Israel is a country with which we have a strong record of cooperation in national security. It has stood by us at crucial moments when our national security was under threat.” He underlined that India would prioritize its national interest in any decision on exports.
The minister also faced a series of questions from opposition MPs regarding India's stance on the conflict in Gaza and its abstentions on recent UN resolutions. TMC MP Saket Gokhale questioned India’s position on Israel's ban on the UN aid agency UNRWA and its policies in Gaza.
Jaishankar defended India’s support for humanitarian aid to Palestine, noting that India had supplied 70 metric tonnes of assistance in 2023, including 16.5 metric tonnes of medicines. He confirmed that the latest tranche of aid had been sent to UNRWA.
When asked about India’s stance on Israel’s settlements in the West Bank, Jaishankar reiterated support for the two-state solution, calling it India’s “public and unambiguous” position.
On the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader for alleged war crimes, Jaishankar pointed out that India is not a member of the ICC.
Amid Jaishankar’s defense of India’s export policies, an Al Jazeera investigation published in June 2024 alleged that Israel has been using Indian-made weapons in its prolonged military campaign in Gaza. A video by the Quds News Network reportedly showed missile remains with labels indicating they were manufactured in India.
Another report by Middle East Eye claimed that Israeli forces were deploying AI-powered weapons co-produced by an Indian defense company in Gaza. These systems reportedly turn firearms into automated killing machines.
Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023, have drawn widespread international condemnation, with over 44,600 people—mostly women and children—killed, according to Palestinian health authorities.
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Rajasthan: Officials rescue 2 girls from child marriage; teen stops own wedding
Kota (PTI): The Bundi district administration took swift action on Tuesday following a report of child marriage, rescuing two minor girls who were to be married on April 20.
The parents of one of the would-be grooms, who was also underage, were prevented from proceeding with the wedding until he reached the legal age for marriage.
The Bundi district administration is currently on high alert ahead of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19, a day when a significant number of child marriages are believed to take place among the Gurjar, Saini, Meena, Bairwa, and Kahar communities in the rural belt of the district.
Acting on a tip-off regarding the planned child marriages, a joint team comprising Tehsildar Narottam, Harlal, officer in charge of the Raithal police station, and members of the Childline unit arrived at the scene. They gathered evidence and halted the matrimonial ceremonies at both venues.
An inquiry revealed that the girls were aged 17 and 15 and were enrolled in Classes 10 and 12, respectively. The two girls were then presented to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which ordered their transfer to a shelter home for protection until further legal directives are issued.
Legal proceedings are currently underway, according to CWC Chairperson Seema Poddhar, who added that the court has initiated proceedings for an injunction order to prevent the parents of both girls from arranging their weddings until they reach the legal age.
In another notable case, a 16-year-old Class 12 student from a village under the Bundi Sadar police station limits exhibited remarkable courage by stopping her own wedding.
On Tuesday morning, she contacted the CWC chairperson, requesting an intervention to halt her wedding, which was scheduled for May 1, as she wished to continue her education.
The girl explained that her parents had arranged her marriage as part of a mass wedding event in Khankheda village on May 1. Responding swiftly, a Childline team and local police reached the location and rescued her.
Despite aggressive opposition from the girl's parents and relatives, the team successfully ensured the minor's safety. After counselling, the CWC directed that she be placed in a shelter home, Poddhar said.
Officials noted that this incident marks the fourth occurrence in recent days in the Bundi district where a minor girl has taken action to prevent her wedding. This trend is being perceived as a positive sign of growing awareness, confidence, and assertion of rights among young girls.
The administration has reiterated that preventing child marriage is a collective societal responsibility, urging citizens to report such cases through the 1098 Child Helpline or the nearest authorities to help safeguard the future of children.
