A group of students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has opposed the call for severing collaborations with Israeli universities, a stance recently promoted by the Ambedkar-Periyar-Phule Study Circle (APPSC). The dissenting students, under the banner of “IITB for Bharat,” argue that such collaborations are pivotal for India’s scientific and technological advancement and should not be hindered by considerations.
The IITB for Bharat group emphasises that IIT Bombay has established itself as a global leader in scientific research and technological innovation, forging partnerships with institutions worldwide, including Israeli universities. These collaborations span various critical sectors such as defence, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. According to the group, the research and development initiatives resulting from these partnerships have produced substantial benefits for both India and Israel, contributing significantly to India’s progress on the global stage.
“IIT Bombay is globally recognised for its contributions to science and technology, and our partnerships, including those with Israeli universities, have driven numerous breakthroughs,” said a representative of IITB for Bharat. Â “Recently, a small group of individuals, primarily from the humanities and social sciences, have called for a boycott of these collaborations. However, these individuals are not directly involved in the core scientific research that constitutes the institution’s reputation.” The IITB for Bharat faction expressed concern over what they describe as the “misuse of the IIT tag” by those promoting personal beliefs.
“It is troubling to witness how these students, who are not contributing to IIT’s core research, attempt to influence policies that could undermine the institution’s long-standing commitment to knowledge creation and dissemination,” the group stated. The students advocating for continued collaboration argue that such partnerships with Israeli universities are vital for IIT Bombay’s ongoing research and innovation efforts. They warn that limiting academic cooperation based on political grounds could undermine the institution’s broader mission to advance knowledge for the betterment of society. The group further highlighted that many IIT Bombay students are already engaged in post-doctoral research at Israeli universities, which has enhanced their exposure to advanced research methodologies and cutting-edge technologies.
