**Bengaluru, September 23, 2024** — The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) faced sharp criticism on Monday as activists and academicians gathered to protest the institution’s involvement in hosting the India-Israel Business Summit. The protest, organised by the Bengaluru Palestine Solidarity (BPS), took place amid ongoing violence by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, drawing condemnation from those opposing the event.The summit, co-organised by Think India, the Indian Chamber of International Business, and the Mysore Lancers Heritage Foundation, aimed to strengthen trade and investment relations between India and Israel. The event’s agenda included discussions on key sectors such as defence and cybersecurity, startups and venture capital, and sustainable technology. However, protesters argued that holding such a summit during a period of intense conflict ignored Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which have resulted in widespread casualties.IISc’s involvement, along with other academic institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bangalore, and the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), as well as the Karnataka government, drew the ire of the demonstrators. Many of them claimed that hosting the summit was tantamount to supporting Israel’s military actions, and disregarded international calls for boycotts and arms embargoes against the country.Protesters held placards and chanted slogans denouncing IISc’s participation in what they described as an event that undermines global principles of justice and human rights. “By aligning with Israel, these institutions are turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed against Palestinians and Lebanese civilians. We are here to stand in solidarity with those oppressed,” said a BPS spokesperson.BPS also voiced its frustration with the Bengaluru Police, accusing them of initially threatening to disrupt the protest. Although the demonstration was allowed to proceed, protesters reported that the police confiscated a Palestinian flag from them before permitting them to continue.As violence in the Middle East continues to escalate, the protest at IISc highlights the growing tension between those advocating for international justice and institutions engaging in economic partnerships with Israel. With no signs of the conflict abating, similar protests may be expected across the country as India strengthens its ties with Israel.