Indian Universities Strengthen Ties with Israeli Institutions Amid Global Controversy
Amid calls for Israeli disinvestment in the West due to pro-Gaza protests, Indian universities have deepened research collaborations with Israeli academic and military entities, particularly in defense, robotics, and AI. This comes as a response to the ongoing Gaza war and allegations of genocide by Israel in the region.
Recent reports show that India has engaged in numerous agreements and meetings with Israeli universities and defense companies, potentially aiding Israel to meet its military demands and technological needs. These partnerships also serve to expand Israel’s network amidst boycott calls.
Despite criticism, Indian universities continue to establish academic connections with their Israeli counterparts, notably Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to bolster India-Israel relations. While these collaborations aim to enhance academic studies and research on India-Israel relations, they have faced backlash from those advocating for divestment from Israeli institutions.
As the academic exchanges unfold, concerns persist about the impact on Gaza’s education sector and allegations of complicity in Israeli military strategies. Protests at Indian universities reflect the global movement urging institutions to reassess their ties with Israeli entities.