'There Has To Be Right Balance': India Takes Veiled Dig At US Over Pro-Palestine Protests At American Universities

As anti-Israel protests escalate at prominent US universities, India has emphasised the delicate balance between freedom of expression and societal responsibility.

The demonstrations, advocating for divestment from Israel-linked entities, have precipitated clashes with law enforcement and prompted universities to transition to virtual classes.

Responding to a query on the protests in US, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said they are always in touch with Indian students studying in US universities.

He underscored the need for democratic values to accommodate both free expression and public safety, particularly among allied democracies.

"We have seen reports on the matter and have been following related events. In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, a sense of responsibility and public safety and order. Democracies in particular should display this understanding in regard to other fellow democracies," said Jaiswal.

In a veiled dig at various wings of the US administration that have been critical of the human rights and political situation in India, Jaiswal emphasised that democracies must practice what they preach to others, saying that democratic countries are “judged by what we do at home and not what we say abroad”.

"We are always in touch with Indian students. And as and when there are issues which have to be resolved, we'll look into it," he added.

India maintains support for a two-nation resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state with recognised borders and at peace with the Jewish nation.

The protests, originating at Columbia University over mounting Gaza casualties, have disseminated to other campuses, resulting in arrests of over hundred student primarily for campus occupation.

Jewish student groups have decried these protests as antisemitic.

The demonstrators' demands include a ceasefire in Gaza, cessation of US military aid to Israel, and divestment from companies profiting from the conflict.

At Columbia University, escalating tensions led to the cancellation of in-person classes, transitioning to online instruction following clashes and arrests during a pro-Palestine rally.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson, visiting Columbia amid the unrest, faced protests and labeled the situation as "mob rule" and "antisemitism.