India risks being complicit in Gaza genocide because of weapons exports to Israel, says rights group

India faces accusations of potential complicity in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The organization claims that India's continued export of weapons to Israel poses a risk of contributing to serious violations of international law, including potential acts of genocide against Palestinians. The report highlights that India has maintained a close and profitable relationship with Israel's defense industry, becoming a key player in the supply chain that supports the Israeli military. The report, released on Thursday, is based on detailed shipment-level trade data between India and Israel. It reveals that Indian companies have exported thousands of weapons, ammunition, and military components to major Israeli firms that directly supply the Israeli armed forces. Among these, Indian entities have provided over 3,90,516 small arms parts, more than 5,64,900 parts of explosive ordnance, and 298 components of military vehicles. These items are intended for use in the Israeli military's operations in Gaza. Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, emphasized that India's role extends beyond mere exportation. She noted that state-owned companies in India are also involved in supplying these materials, which are then used in the Israeli military's campaigns. According to Callamard, India has not only failed to regulate arms exports to Israel in accordance with international law but has also strengthened its defense ties with Israel, thereby exacerbating the situation in Gaza. The report comes amid growing international concern over the conflict in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has carried out extensive air and ground attacks on the territory following Hamas' attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the taking of hostages. As of recent reports, over 73,300 people have died in the region, with the United Nations highlighting the severity of the humanitarian impact. In September, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Earlier, in June, the same commission found that Israeli forces had deliberately targeted Palestinian children, constituting part of a broader pattern of genocidal actions. The report states that over 20,000 children have been killed and more than 44,000 injured since the start of the conflict. Amnesty International’s analysis covers nearly 2,600 shipments of arms and related equipment sent from India to Israel since the beginning of the conflict. This includes not only finished weapons but also critical components and parts essential for military operations. The report underscores that while the Israeli military has been responsible for widespread death and destruction, Indian companies have continued their business dealings, profiting from the sale of these supplies. The implications of this report extend beyond the immediate conflict. It raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of nations engaging in arms trade with countries involved in protracted conflicts. The report urges the Indian government to reassess its current policies regarding arms exports to Israel, particularly given the legal obligations under international law. The findings suggest that India's continued involvement in the arms supply chain may place it at risk of being held accountable for its role in the unfolding crisis.