India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar defended the nation’s arms exports to Israel in Parliament, citing national interest and international commitments. This comes amid ongoing international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have led to over 44,600 deaths, primarily of women and children, during the 428-day conflict. Responding to MP John Brittas’ inquiry about Palestine’s appeal to reconsider arms sales, Jaishankar emphasized that exports, including those with military implications, are regulated by India’s national interest and international regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement. He highlighted Israel’s history of supporting India’s national security interests.

Jaishankar also addressed India’s stance on humanitarian aid to Gaza. In response to TMC MP Saket Gokhle, he confirmed that India has supplied 70 metric tonnes of aid to Palestine, including medicines, while abstaining from certain UN resolutions on Gaza. However, reports from Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye suggest Indian weapons and AI-based defense systems are being used by Israel in the Gaza conflict. These claims were supported by evidence, including missile remnants marked “Made in India.”

India continues to endorse a two-state solution, with Jaishankar reaffirming this stance while addressing queries on illegal settlements in the West Bank. On the International Criminal Court’s war crimes warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders, he clarified India’s non-membership in the ICC. The government has defended its policies, balancing humanitarian aid to Gaza with strategic ties to Israel.