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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BBMP issues guidelines for eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has released new guidelines aimed at ensuring a more environmentally conscious celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi this year.
BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao chaired a meeting to discuss a complete prohibition on the use of chemical paints, thermocol, and Plaster of Paris (PoP) in idol-making, as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday. Any idols made from these materials will be confiscated and disposed of in accordance with established regulations.
The meeting emphasised the importance of using eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from natural clay, which are both safer for the environment and easier to immerse.
Strict enforcement and legal action
Criminal cases will be filed against individuals found creating idols using the banned materials. To ensure compliance, nodal officers from BBMP sub-divisions, along with officials from the police, fire, and Bescom departments, will oversee the manufacturing and sale of these idols.
Streamlined permitting process for public installations
For those wishing to set up public Ganesha idols, the BBMP has introduced a streamlined system to simplify the approval process. Citizens will need to apply at the offices of assistant executive engineers, designated as nodal officers, at the sub-divisional level. In an effort to expedite permissions, 75 single-window centres will be set up at these sub-divisional offices, where officers from the BBMP, police, Bescom, and the fire department will be available to grant necessary approvals.
Encouraging sustainable practices during the festival
The BBMP's guidelines also encourage residents to immerse small, eco-friendly idols at home and reuse the residual clay for gardening. Additionally, any wet waste generated during the festival will be processed through BBMP's waste management units, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
