A pro‑Palestine protest erupted at the Reliance Smart outlet in Tarnaka, Hyderabad on June 20, 2025—triggered by the retail chain’s business partnerships with Israeli companies. Hyderabad Calls to Boycott Reliance Smart Amid Israel Ties.
Members of the India People in Solidarity with Palestine (IPSP) staged the demonstration as part of a broader Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign targeting Reliance stores across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Patna, Vijayawada, Chandigarh, Rohtak, and Visakhapatnam
Joshna, one of the protest speakers, urged shoppers to “boycott all brands that strengthen Israel,” underlining calls for broader sanctions and divestment
Reliance’s Israeli Connections
Reliance’s business relationship with Israel spans nearly a decade:
In 2014, Jio ordered network equipment from Israeli tech firm Airspan and acquired an equity stake.
Jio GenNext has invested in over 100 Israeli startups through the Jerusalem Innovation Incubator.
Recently, Reliance announced a joint venture with Israeli company Delta Galil
These moves are cited by IPSP as evidence of the company’s indirect support for Israeli activities in Palestine.
Hyderabad marks one of many Indian cities witnessing BDS-led protests at Reliance retail outlets. Organizers say this is part of “intensifying actions” to pressure the Indian government into severing all ties with Israel
Protesters in Hyderabad distributed pamphlets both outside and inside the store, emphasizing grassroots efforts to boycott Reliance’s entire corporate portfolio
Why It Matters
This movement reflects a growing trend where consumer activism intersects with global geopolitics. Major companies like Reliance—whose ties extend across retail, telecom, and energy—face increased scrutiny for their international alliances. Hyderabad’s protest highlights how local action can challenge global commerce.
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