SOURCE: AFI
A group of prominent Indian activists and civil society organizations have called for an immediate cessation of arms exports to Israel, arguing that such trade is a violation of international law. In a strongly worded letter addressed to India’s Defence Ministry, the group cited the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling condemning Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories as a basis for their demand.
Signatories to the letter, including renowned author Arundhati Roy, economist Jean Dreze, and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, allege that several Indian companies have been granted permits to export arms, drones, and explosives to Israel. They assert that providing military equipment to a nation accused of violating international humanitarian law renders India complicit in these violations.
“We want Indian weapons exports to Israel to stop immediately,” declared Roy at a press conference held to highlight the issue. The activists emphasized the gravity of the ICJ’s findings and argued that India has a moral obligation to uphold international law.
The letter, dated July 30, has ignited a fresh debate on India’s foreign policy and arms trade. It remains to be seen how the Indian government will respond to these allegations and whether it will reconsider its arms export policy to Israel.