India responds to US campus protests: ‘Every democracy must have…’ | Global News

India Reacts to Student Protests in the US: Finding the Balance in Democracy

In the midst of ongoing protests at leading universities across the US against Israeli military action in Gaza, India has weighed in on the importance of finding the right balance between freedom of expression, sense of responsibility, and public safety in a democracy.

As hundreds of students continue to be arrested by US authorities in an attempt to quell the protests, the Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the need for democracies to understand and respect each other’s values. He stated, “In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, sense of responsibility, and public safety and order.”

Jaiswal further highlighted the importance of democracies displaying understanding and respect towards each other, noting that actions at home are what truly define a nation on the global stage. He also emphasized the expectation for all Indian citizens, both at home and abroad, to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Despite the escalating tensions on US campuses, Jaiswal confirmed that neither the Indian embassy in Washington nor any Indian consulate in the US has received requests for assistance from Indian students or their families regarding disciplinary actions related to their participation in the protests.

As the protests continue to unfold, India’s stance on the matter underscores the complexities of balancing individual freedoms with societal responsibilities in a democratic society.