Indian Activists Demand from Indian Government to Withdraw Workers from Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Bangalore, April 3, 2025: At a press conference held at the Bangalore Press Club, representatives from various trade unions, human rights organizations, and student groups called on the Indian government to sever ties with Israel and ensure the safe return of Indian workers from war-affected regions. The event, organized by Bengaluru for Justice and Peace, strongly condemned Israel’s recent military strikes in Gaza, which have led to a significant loss of life and displacement of civilians.
Escalating Violence in Gaza
KS Vimala of the All India Democratic Women’s Rights Association (AIDWA) criticized Israel’s latest airstrikes, stating that they were a clear violation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. She highlighted that the attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 1,042 people, including 200 children. According to UNICEF, the airstrikes on March 18 marked the highest single-day death toll for children in Gaza in the past year. Since the escalation began, over 49,547 people have died, with 112,719 injured and more than 90% of Gaza’s population displaced.
Concerns Over Indian Workers in Israel
Mahantesh of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) raised concerns about the employment of Indian workers in Israel, replacing thousands of displaced Palestinian laborers. “There are at least 100,000 workers from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh now working in Israel under unsafe conditions. Their lives are not protected, and their families receive no financial assistance in case of casualties. We demand their immediate repatriation and an end to such agreements that send Indian workers to conflict zones,” he said.
Targeting of Civilians and Media Silence
KV Bhat from the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, particularly women and children. He pointed out that media coverage of the crisis has dwindled, despite reports indicating that at least 14,500 children have been killed in Gaza. “What was once front-page news is now buried in small corners of newspapers. This is a genocide, and it should not be ignored,” he said.
India’s Role in the Conflict
Independent lawyer Madhulika argued that India is complicit in the violence due to its arms trade with Israel. “Evidence from Gaza shows missile debris marked ‘Made in India.’ Companies like Alpha Elsec Aerospace Systems, an Indo-Israel joint venture, and Adani Defense and Aerospace are directly involved in producing weapon systems used by Israeli forces,” she stated.
Destruction of Education and Increasing Indo-Israel Collaboration
Surya from Students for People’s Democracy (SfPD) highlighted the destruction of educational institutions in Gaza. “Around 80% of schools have been destroyed, an act described as ‘scholasticide.’ Meanwhile, Indian universities are increasing collaborations with Israeli institutions on research for defense, cybersecurity, and surveillance,” he noted.
Call for Action from the Indian Government
The press conference concluded with a call for India to comply with international law. Senior women’s rights activist Madhu Bhushan stressed that the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice have held Israel accountable for potential genocide, with the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “India must uphold international law and take a stand on the right side of history,” she urged.
The demands from activists and trade unions include cutting diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, halting arms trade, ceasing worker exports to Israel, and ensuring the safe return of Indian citizens from conflict zones.
Statements:
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“The Indian government must immediately bring back workers from Israel and stop sending labor to war zones where their lives are at risk.” – Mahantesh, CITU
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“Media coverage of Gaza’s genocide has dwindled, but the reality is that thousands of children have been killed. We cannot stay silent.” – KV Bhat, AIUTUC
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“India’s arms trade with Israel makes us complicit in war crimes. Our weapons are being used to kill innocent civilians.” – Madhulika, Independent Lawyer
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“80% of Gaza’s schools have been destroyed. This is an attack on the future of an entire generation.” – Surya, SfPD
Quotes:
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“Evidence of Indian-made weapons in Gaza raises serious questions about our role in this conflict.”
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“War profits should not come at the cost of human lives. India must cut military ties with Israel.”
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“This is not just about solidarity; it’s about following international law.”
Q&A:
Q: Why are Indian workers in Israel a concern?
A: Many Indian workers are being employed in Israel to replace Palestinian laborers who have been displaced or killed. These workers are in a dangerous environment with no protection or financial support for their families in case of injury or death.
Q: How is India involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict?
A: India supplies arms and technology used by Israeli forces. Indian companies, including Adani Defense and Aerospace, co-produce AI weapons systems used in Gaza.
Q: What are activists demanding?
A: Activists and trade unions are calling for India to cut diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, withdraw Indian workers, and stop arms trade that fuels the war.
Context & Background:
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Israel has been carrying out military operations in Gaza, leading to over 49,000 deaths and displacing more than 90% of the population.
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Reports confirm that Indian-manufactured weapons have been found in Gaza, raising concerns about India’s role in the conflict.
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Indian workers are being sent to Israel under agreements that do not ensure their safety or financial security.
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International bodies like the ICC and ICJ have accused Israel of committing genocide.
#IndiaWithPalestine #StopWarProfiteering #BringBackIndianWorkers #EndGenocide #CutTiesWithIsrael #HumanRights #StopArmingIsrael #SaveGaza
