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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi's lose-lose foreign policy approach with Israel and Palestine
There is perhaps no image more heartbreaking than that of Palestinian children longing for the beloved Parle G biscuits that have nourished generations of Indian children. In the rubble-strewn streets of Gaza, these most affordable Indian biscuits have become precious commodities, their exorbitant costs placing them beyond the reach of parents struggling to provide even basic sustenance for their children. This painful reality serves as a stark reminder of our shared humanity and our duty to protect children everywhere. If one has to decide between guns and children, one must always choose children. No matter whose guns, no matter whose children. Yet India's abstention on June 12 from a UN ceasefire resolution in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, titled Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations, marks a betrayal of our historical solidarity with the Palestinian cause. As I have written before, the relationship between India and Palestine was built on shared experiences of colonial subjugation and anti-imperial struggle. Mahatma Gandhi's words from 1938 remain as relevant today as they were then: 'Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the French. It is wrong and inhuman to impose the Jews on the Arabs.' Jawaharlal Nehru was equally clear when he declared, 'Palestine is essentially an Arab country and must remain so.' For decades after Independence, India stood firmly with Palestine, recognising the Palestinian state early and consistently supporting their right to self-determination at international forums. This solidarity reflected India's broader leadership of the Global South in the post-Independence era, where we confidently and strongly championed the causes of decolonisation, self-determination, and justice for oppressed peoples worldwide. Our foreign policy was anchored in moral principles that transcended narrow strategic calculations, earning us respect and leadership among newly independent nations. India's stance on Palestine was emblematic of this principled approach as we consistently chose to stand with the dispossessed against powerful oppressors, regardless of their military or economic might. Contemporary India's foreign policy has become increasingly opportunistic rather than principled, marking a dramatic shift from our foundational ethos. This transactional approach, evident in our abstentions on the two recent Palestine-related resolutions, reflects what I have analysed in an earlier article ('Dear people of Palestine', IE, June 17, 2021) as the actions of a government which believes 'that an electoral majority is a licence to trample over anything, including history'. While pursuing perceived strategic advantages through closer ties with Israel, India has neither secured the opportunities it seeks nor maintained its moral leadership. The irony is quite stark. This unexplainable stance has left us diplomatically isolated on crucial global issues, contradicting the very 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' philosophy we claim to uphold. Strong moral leadership itself constitutes a powerful diplomatic tool that India has historically wielded with great effect. Nations accumulate moral capital by standing on the right side of history. This capital is the crux of soft power and international influence. Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance and India's anti-colonial struggle inspired liberation movements worldwide, giving India a moral authority that extended far beyond our economic or military capabilities. By abandoning this moral foundation, we have weakened our own diplomatic heft, trading long-term influence for immediate and cynical gains that may or may not materialise. It fundamentally does not serve India's interests to align with Israel, which in its current shape and form under the incumbent leadership can only be described as a morally corrupt and warmongering state. While Israel may appear powerful, it remains essentially an American client state, dependent on US military aid and diplomatic protection. India's growing alignment with Israel risks reducing us to an ally of a client state, a position that contradicts our aspirations for strategic autonomy. Moreover, global public opinion is overwhelmingly arrayed against the Zionist project and its ongoing occupation. Despite the media spin by political elites, the occupation of Palestine and what has been variously termed 'apartheid' and 'incremental genocide' deeply resonates with the moral conscience of citizens worldwide, making India's stance increasingly untenable. The international law implications of India's stance are equally troubling. By abstaining from resolutions condemning clear violations of international humanitarian law, India effectively becomes complicit in what reputed international human rights organisations have characterised as systematic oppression. This position undermines India's own claims to champion international law and multilateralism. India's alignment with Israel also jeopardises our relationship with Iran, a crucial ally in the region. Iran's steadfast support for Palestine represents a core element of its regional strategy. As India deepens its ties with Israel while abandoning Palestinian solidarity, we risk alienating Iran and other nations that view the Palestinian cause as a litmus test for moral consistency in international relations. This diplomatic calculus seems particularly shortsighted given Iran's strategic importance for India's energy security and regional connectivity. The recent Madleen flotilla effort and the global people's march to Gaza demonstrate the remarkable resolve and bravery of ordinary citizens challenging the status quo when their governments fail them. These grassroots initiatives remind us that moral leadership often emerges from below when those in power abdicate their responsibilities. As I have written to our Palestinian friends, 'Let me assure you that the civilisational ethos of India is far more powerful than any regime which believes that they can erase and rewrite memory and history.' When Palestinian children dream of simple Parle G biscuits, we are reminded that our choices have consequences that extend far beyond diplomatic halls. We owe help and support to every child who has ever reached for a biscuit and found only empty shelves, who has ever looked to India with hope and found only silence. The writer is Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Rashtriya Janata Dal
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Watch: Pooja Hegde's Homesick Remedy Is Enjoying Parle-G With Chai
A cup of tea with Parle-G biscuits hits home – simple, nostalgic and oddly comforting. This combo is a typical morning ritual for many Indians. From office chai breaks to slow Sundays at home, Parle-G soaked in aromatic tea makes for a heavenly bite. Don't know about you, but Pooja Hegde certainly agrees. In her latest Instagram post, the actress, who is currently shooting for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai with Varun Dhawan, was seen relishing this iconic combination in the UK. Pooja confessed that, being away from home, savouring Parle-G with tea was her only remedy to beat homesickness. 'Simple joys to make me feel like I am at home,' she says in the clip before dunking a biscuit into her piping-hot tea and taking a scrumptious bite. 'This is some dangerous stuff,' she admits, before reaching for another one from the packet. The side note read, 'Nothing screams home like Parle G in my chai. Homesick remedies (red heart emoji).' Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Hegde (@hegdepooja) Back in May, Pooja Hegde and Varun Dhawan encountered a storm while filming in Scotland. As the cast and crew took a break from shooting, Varun offered a glimpse of their lunch menu, prepared by chef Inder 'paaji'. The lip-smacking platter included misti chicken, mixed vegetables, grilled salmon and dal tadka. Varun then switched the camera towards a tent where Pooja and the others were seen enjoying the delicious spread. When the actor asked how the food was, everyone agreed that it was 'Changa (good).' The caption said, ' Hai jawaani toh khaana bhi khaana hai. Eating in a storm.' Read all about it here. Apart from desi dishes, Pooja Hegde is also a fan of gourmet Italian delights. On her trip to Paris, the actress followed the 'map to dolce vita'. She treated herself to appetising Prawn Linguine and creamy, mushroom-topped spaghetti served with fresh lime soda. For dessert, she had a cone of gelato ice cream. Phew. Click here for the full story. We are a fan of Pooja Hegde's gastronomical adventures.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
₹5 Parle-G sold for ₹2,300 in Gaza? Father's war reality claim shocks internet
A video of a kid receiving Parle-G, her favourite biscuits, from her father in Gaza has shocked social media. In the video, the man claims that the item is sold for ₹2,300 - a huge difference from its humble pricing in India - amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. 'After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat,' X user Mohammed Jawad wrote. In addition to the video, which shows Ravif receiving her biscuits, Jawad also posted a picture of her relishing the treat. Though cannot independently verify the claims in the X post, the share has taken social media by storm. While many showed sympathy, some tagged Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar, urging him to send biscuits to the kid. An individual wrote, 'S Jaishankar, That baby is eating India's favourite biscuit. Look, I know we are neutral about the war. But can we please send more Parle G to Palestine? These are glucose biscuits that will help relieve the civilian population.' Another urged, "India should send some more food and medicines to Palestine.' A third posted, 'It's very saddening to see this.' A fourth remarked, 'These are my favourite biscuits, too, from my childhood.' A few on social media simply expressed their shock and surprise. has reached out to the company. This report will be updated when a response is received. According to a report by NDTV, the humanitarian aid that enters Gaza is often sold at a steep price in the black market. Dr Khaled Alshawwa, a 31-year-old surgeon based in Gaza City, told NDTV, 'The problem isn't with the original suppliers or taxation,' adding, 'These goods usually enter Gaza as humanitarian aid, free of charge. But only a minority receives them. Scarcity turns them into high-priced black market goods.' 'The closure of borders for more than three months now has allowed only a scarce amount of very basic needs that don't meet the needs of 2 million people. So when some people are able to get some, or when looting happens, these foods are being sold at very high, unaffordable prices,' the doctor continued.
India.com
06-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
A Rs 5 pack of Parle-G biscuits being sold for Rs 2400 in..., it's due to...
New Delhi: The Gaza Strip in Palestine is nothing less than a hell for its residents. Almost all the buildings have been destroyed and there is a severe shortage of food and people are struggling to survive. Amidst all this, a news report has come from Gaza that Indians will find hard to believe. It is about the usual everyday snack, the biscuit. The biscuit has become an essential part of life in Gaza. The biscuit that we buy here for five rupees is priced at over two thousand rupees there. As we mentioned that there is a severe shortage of food in Gaza and it is on the verge of turning into a famine. There is hardly any food available there and if it is available, it is being sold at about 500 times the original price. The Parle-G biscuit that costs five rupees in India is being sold for around 2400 rupees. Even the foreign aid is not sufficient for the people. In a post from Gaza that went viral, a person claimed that Parle G biscuits are being sold for over 24 euros (2,342 rupees). Many people on social media are shocked to learn about it. In Indian markets, the price of these Parle G biscuits is only five rupees. A person named Mohammad Jawad wrote in his X post: 'After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat.' According to Mohammad Jawad, the price of Parle G biscuits in Gaza was previously around 146 rupees. But now it has risen to 2,351 rupees. Since October 2023, there has been an ongoing war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Due to the war, access to food and supplies in Gaza has systematically diminished. Between March 2 and May 19 of this year, the besieged Palestinian territory faced almost complete blockade and only a limited number of humanitarian trucks were allowed to pass, most of which were allowed only after intense international pressure. Amid the limited access to food and supplies in Gaza, black market activities are also rampant. There are claims that food boxes provided in aid are being sold at expensive rates in the black market.
NDTV
06-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
NDTV Exclusive: How Rs 5 Indian Biscuit Is Being Sold For Rs 2,400 In Gaza
New Delhi: Parle-G biscuits, a staple in Indian households, associated with childhood, tea breaks, and low-cost nutrition, were never intended to be a luxury. But in wartorn Gaza, where food scarcity has turned into acute famine, they are being sold at nearly 500 times their original price. In a recent viral post from Gaza, a man claimed that Parle G biscuits, manufactured by Mumbai-headquartered Parle Products, are being sold for over 24 euros (Rs 2,342). Many on social media were baffled by the cost of the biscuits that have consistently been among the cheapest foods in the Indian market. "After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from 1.5 euros to over 24 euros, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat," the viral post read. After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat. — Mohammed jawad 🇵🇸 (@Mo7ammed_jawad6) June 1, 2025 A Manufactured Famine Following the October 2023 escalation and Israel's military campaign that began shortly thereafter, Gaza's access to food has been systematically reduced. Between March 2 and May 19 this year, the besieged Palestinian enclave faced a near-total blockade. Only a limited number of humanitarian trucks were allowed through, most of them after intense international pressure. Israel, which accuses Hamas, the political and militant group within Gaza, of seizing and weaponising aid, had suspended traditional UN food deliveries. Instead, a controversial and heavily criticised alternative was introduced on May 27 - the Secure Distribution Site 1 (SDS1) model, developed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which, according to the French daily Le Monde, is a joint initiative backed by the US, Switzerland, and Israel. The SDS1, located in Rafah, features caged corridors forcing Palestinians into narrow queues, guarded perimeters manned by Safe Reach Solutions, a US-based private security firm, which has been accused of carrying out intelligence operations in Gaza using Israeli data. But how much aid reaches the truly hungry? How many aid boxes are being sold on the black market for inflated prices? The Black Market Reality The steep pricing is not limited to Parle-G, which is an export from a country located roughly 4,300 km away. "The problem isn't with the original suppliers or taxation," Dr. Khaled Alshawwa, a 31-year-old surgeon based in Gaza City, told NDTV. "These goods usually enter Gaza as humanitarian aid, free of charge. But only a minority receives them. Scarcity turns them into high-priced black market goods." Mr Alshawwa, managed to get his hands on a packet of Parle-G biscuits, which he said cost him roughly Rs 240. Different locations, different prices depending on who the seller is. "The closure of borders for more than three months now has allowed only a scarce amount of very basic needs that don't meet the needs of 2 million people. So when some people are able to get some, or when looting happens, these foods are being sold at very high, unaffordable prices." Dr Alshawwa told NDTV. Parle-G, it appears, likely arrived through aid shipments, eventually landing in the hands of a few vendors who sold it at prices unreachable to most Gazans. NDTV has reached out to the company for a statement. A rough breakdown of current market prices (in INR) of some important products from northern Gaza as of June 6, 2025: 1 kg sugar: Rs 4,914 1 litre cooking oil: Rs 4,177 1 kg potatoes: Rs 1,965 1 kg onions: Rs 4,423 1 coffee cup: Rs 1,800 A list sourced by NDTV from Gaza shows basic commodities and groceries being sold at exorbitant prices. The prices are mentioned in the new Israeli shekel. the local currency. One Israeli shekel translates to 24.57 Indian rupees Why Parle-G Matters Parle-G is more than food. It is nostalgia wrapped in paper. Launched in 1938, the biscuit emerged during India's Swadeshi movement as a local alternative to elite British snacks. It became a national equaliser, a biscuit anyone could afford. Over the decades, Parle-G has managed to retain its low price tag thanks to 'shrinkflation' economics - reducing weight while maintaining price. A Rs 5 packet that once held 100 grams now contains about 55 grams. Still, it remains among the cheapest packaged food products in India. In 2013, Parle-G became the first Indian FMCG brand to cross Rs 5,000 crore in sales. By 2011, it was the world's largest selling biscuit by volume, according to Nielsen.
