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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Kerala HC declines interim stay on screening of ''L2: Empuraan''
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala High Court on Tuesday declined to issue any interim order putting on hold the screening of Malayalam film 'L2: Empuraan' starring superstar Mohanlal.
Justice C S Dias ordered to issue notice to the Centre and the Censor Board seeking their stand on the plea by Thrissur-native V V Vijeesh who has claimed that continuing to show the movie poses a risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order.
It listed the matter for hearing after the vacation.
The court also questioned whether the petition was filed in publicity interest by the petitioner.
During the brief hearing of the matter, the court also asked what was the problem when the Censor Board had certified the film for public viewing.
It also expressed doubts about the petitioner's intention behind filing the plea.
It also pointed out that no case was filed anywhere against the movie.
The state government said that no case has been lodged against the film in Kerala.
Meanwhile, Antony Perumbavoor, one of the producers of the film, earlier in the day announced that the movie has undergone cuts to remove scenes of little over two minutes.
He said the decision to carry out the edit was a joint one of all the producers and actors, including Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and it was not out of fear of anyone.
The movie has faced intense criticism from the Sangh Parivar with regard to some portions of the film.
'L2: Empuraan', the second part of the 'Lucifer' movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots.
On March 27, the day of the movie's release, the Sangh Parivar vehemently criticised the film on social media, while the Congress and Left platforms celebrated the film for portraying the right-wing politics as "villainous".
