New Delhi

Amidst protests over US policies on Gaza, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti recently chose to skip a scheduled meeting at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. Garcetti was invited to address the School of International Studies on April 29, with a focus on the "most consequential relationship of the century: US-India ties."  Ahead of the event, the students at the university protested his visit over Washington's policies in Gaza.

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Dhananjay, president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) speaking to WION on the protests by students, pointed to US involvement in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, denouncing US support for Israel and accusing the US of complicity in what he described as a "genocide" against Palestinians.

"The US is complicit in the ongoing genocide by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza, which has killed more than 35,000 people, including 14,500+ children," said Dhananjay.

In response to WION's inquiry about the ambassador's absence from the event, the US embassy spokesperson said "the Ambassador’s visit to JNU was postponed. He looks forward to engaging with JNU students in the future".

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The United States has been involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict, with President Joe Biden deploying aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of Israel while also providing aid to Gaza.

But the country faces international criticism on many fronts, most notably the recent vetoing of Palestine's bid for full membership at the United Nations Security Council.

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Despite diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid, US actions and policies have remained contentious, drawing debate both at home and abroad.

Domestically in US, widespread protests have taken place on campuses with demonstrations at over 80 campuses nationwide.

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These protests, which began around April 17, are largely in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The protests originated at Columbia University in New York and rapidly spread to other educational institutions.

Police authorities have used force on campuses to remove the protesters.