Indian Student Megha Vemuri, MIT Row: Megha Vemuri, an Indian student at the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in America, caught everyone's attention by raising the slogan 'Free Palestine' at a ceremony. She criticized MIT's research ties with Israel and targeted Israeli actions in Gaza. This incident also created a stir in India, as it is related to India's policy on the Israel-Palestine issue. Let us understand in simple language how much Megha's statement matches India's policy and where it differs?

Who is Indian Student Megha Vemuri: Who is Megha Vemuri and what did she do in MIT?

Megha Vemuri is the Class President of MIT's 2025 batch. Megha Vemuri is of Indian origin. On 29 May 2025, she gave a speech at a ceremony at MIT wearing a red kafiya (a symbol of Palestine support). She said that MIT's research link with Israel is shameful. It is like supporting the genocide happening in Gaza. Megha mentioned the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza and demanded that MIT break research ties with Israel. During her speech, many students raised slogans of 'Free Palestine', but MIT considered it against the rules and barred Megha from participating in the convocation the next day. Megha called it an attack on freedom of expression.

Indian Policy on Palestine: What has been India's policy?

India has been in favor of Palestine from the very beginning. Since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, India has supported the right of the Palestinian people to their own country and independence. In 1947, India opposed the proposal of partition of Palestine in the United Nations, because Arab leaders were against it. In 1974, India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the official representative of the Palestinian people. This was the first step among non-Arab countries. In 1988, India recognized Palestine as an independent country. In 1996-2003, India opened its representative offices in Gaza and Ramallah, which strengthened relations with Palestine. India has always wanted that both Palestine and Israel should form their own countries and live in peace. This is called the two-state solution.

What is the stance now?

There has been a slight change in India's policy during the time of Narendra Modi government and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. India is now increasing friendship with Israel in defense, trade and technology, but has not given up supporting Palestine. India still says that Palestine should get its own separate country, which lives in peace with Israel. In February 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, our Palestine policy is the same, we are with the two-state solution. India gave $ 22.5 million to the United Nations agency UNRWA from 2018 to 2025. Sent more than 165 tons of medicines and goods to Gaza and Lebanon. India supported 15 major resolutions in favor of Palestine in the UN, but in October 2023, India did not vote on the ceasefire proposal in Gaza, because it did not condemn the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.

Condemnation of attacks on Israel

On 7 October 2023, Modi called Hamas' attack on Israel a terrorist attack and said that he would stand with Israel. Jaishankar expressed grief over the death of civilians in Gaza and said that Israel should follow international humanitarian law. He said this at the Munich Security Conference in February 2024. In 2018, Modi visited Palestine, which was the first visit of an Indian PM. He met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and expressed support for peace.

Megha's statement and India's policy: Where is the equality?

Megha's 'Free Palestine' slogan and speech match some parts of India's policy. Megha talked about the death of common people and destruction of schools and universities in Gaza. India also expresses concern over civilian casualties in Gaza and sends aid through UNRWA. Megha talked about ceasefire and support for the Palestinian people. India also advocates peace through a two-state solution. Megha emphasized on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which matches India's policy. India sends medicines and aid to Gaza.

Megha's statement and India's policy: Where is the difference?

Megha's stance does not completely match India's policy. There is some difference in it. India maintains deep relations with Israel in defense and trade. Modi visited Israel in 2017. Megha demanded a complete end to MIT's research relations with Israel, which is against India's friendship with Israel. India called the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023 a terrorist act. Megha did not condemn it in her speech, but focused only on Israel's actions.

India's policy maintains a balance between both sides - Israel and Palestine. Megha's speech was one-sided, in which there was strong criticism of Israel.

What did people say about Megha's incident in India?

There are different opinions about Megha's speech in India. Some people praised her courage. In an ex-post it was written that Megha showed courage to speak the truth, but some termed it wrong. In another post it was said that it is a matter of pride to study in MIT, but Megha did too much drama. This issue is in discussion in India. However, Megha's statement has nothing to do with Indian policy.