India 'directly involved' in Gaza genocide by supplying arms to Israel: Indian writer

Renowned Indian writer Arundhati Roy has accused the Indian government of being 'directly involved' in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza by supplying weapons to Israel.

Speaking at the Indian Press Club, Roy said that Indians must take a stand against their government's support of Israel's actions.

"India needs to stop the export of weapons to Israel and ensure the return of Indian workers who have been sent to Israel to replace Palestinian workers. If it does not do so at once, it is in violation of the orders of the ICJ," the Booker prize-winning author said.

"It will forever be complicit in aiding and abetting a genocide that is being telecast live for the world to watch.

"We should at least show that we do not support the genocide in Gaza and we do not recognise this support of our government. We want the export of these weapons to be stopped immediately."

Roy highlighted the devastating impact of one-sided war on Gaza's civilian population, including the killing of thousands of women and children, and the destruction of hospitals, universities, and public centres.

"It's a shame that we are not standing up against Israel's atrocities, while people everywhere, even in America, are protesting," the writer said.

"We must stand up for Palestine and refuse to support India's arms export to Israel," she added.

The activist also criticised the government's stance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking, "How long will India continue to support global evil elements?"

In July this year, an Indian flag was seen waving at an Israeli military base in east Rafah.

Why is the Indian flag being waved in Rafah?! pic.twitter.com/Ulxo7rHJDr

— Younis Tirawi | يونس (@ytirawi) July 4, 2024

Earlier, Former Israeli ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, said that India might be providing military aid to Israel in its ongoing genocide in Gaza, as a gesture of gratitude for Tel Aviv's support during the 1999 Kargil War.

He stated that India has not forgotten Israel's support and may be "returning the favor" now.

"The Indians always remind us that Israel was there for them during the Kargil war... The Indians don't forget this and might now be returning the favour," he said in an interview with Ynetnews.

Earlier in February, reports emerged that India had provided 900 drones and artillery shells to Israel to support its war in Gaza.

India and Israel established formal relations in 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Since then, their diplomatic ties have strengthened, with notable visits between leaders.

Narendra Modi was the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel in 2017, and Benjamin Netanyahu reciprocated by visiting India in 2018.

According to reports, more than 200 Indian Jews, members of the Bnei Menashe community, have joined the Israeli army to commit genocide in Gaza.

Thousands of Hindu nationalists were also recruited by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for their ongoing war crimes in Palestine, sources said.