Indians shun Western brands in response to Gaza conflict

In the central Indian city of Bhopal, 12-year-old Hashir Ahmed and his brother Ashaz use the website bdnaash.com to check beverage brands before making purchases. They wish to avoid products from companies that support Israel. The brothers rely on this resource for all their purchases at local stores, whether it's chips, biscuits, or chocolates.

"We've seen the difficult situation in Gaza. Many innocent children and adults have suffered. The least we can do is avoid products of companies that support Israel and its allies," Ahmed tells Salaam Gateway.

Although they are unaware of the origins of bdnaash.com, they've been using it for nearly a year since the escalation of the crisis in Palestine. They didn't initially understand the broader implications of their choices, but they are pleased to have stopped frequenting places like McDonald's and have not purchased brands like Lays and Uncle Chipps for quite some time.
 
Strong support in Kolkata, other cities 
The sentiment is also resonating with adults, and across other cities, such as the eastern Indian town of Kolkata.