'India - Israel Business Summit' at IISc sternly opposed by students, activists

NT Bengaluru: Citing the ongoing bombardment of Palestine by Israel, students from the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) demanded that a summit between India and Israel be cancelled. “India - Israel Business Summit 2024” is poised to take place on Monday September 23 at the J N Tata Auditorium of the IISc. What students and activists expressed anger on was the discussion on Defence and Cybersecurity, which the country is actively using. A letter to the Director of IISC, Professor Govindan Rangarajan, holds that Israel is engaged in a brutal war, killing more than 41,000 Palestinians.

The letter explains the atrocious acts of destroying universities and educational institutions, the food insecurity due to the repeated bomb droppings and the recent incident of Israel’s alleged involvement in the pager blast incident in Lebanon. “In this situation, it is unconscionable for IISc to encourage collaborations between India and Israel. Such cooperation would amount to direct support for Israel's genocide in Palestine and its aggressive actions against its neighbours,” the letter added. Students have expressed shock and disappointment over the institution’s move to host this event. “Given that Israel is engaged in an educide in Palestine, destroying almost all the universities and several academics, the stance adopted by IISc is deplorable,” said a student.,” said a student. Another student remarked on the magnanimity of the event, and felt let down by the institution. “This totally contradicts the purpose of the institution, to impart science. Usually, only big events take place in the mentioned auditorium, which also questions their integrity.

A letter to the Director of IISC holds that Israel is engaged in a brutal war, killing 41,000 Palestinians.