An internship announcement by the Israeli Embassy in India has triggered a wave of criticism online, not because of the role itself, but because of one
line in the eligibility details. The embassy invited applications for a six-month Political Internship, but social media users quickly noticed that the position would be entirely unpaid, prompting many to question the fairness of the opportunity. The embassy shared the opening on its official X account, writing: "Internship Opportunity! The Embassy of Israel in India is looking for a Political Intern to join the Political Department. If you're passionate about geopolitics, international issues, multilateral relations, APPLY NOW! Have a look at the attached criteria for more details." According to the notice, the selected intern will assist the Political Department by conducting political research, analysing domestic and international developments, engaging with stakeholders, and preparing reports on a range of geopolitical issues. The role also involves attending parliamentary sessions, press briefings, conferences, and other key political events, besides supporting administrative work, official visits, and coordination with foreign missions and international institutions. The embassy said applicants should be pursuing or have completed a bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, or a related field, with relevant experience in political analysis, diplomacy, public policy, or government affairs. It also seeks candidates with a strong understanding of political systems and institutions. The announcement specifies that the internship will last six months and will be unpaid.
An individual wrote, "Are you hiring slaves?" Another commented, "Holy trap. Don’t get into this, Indians. Work for India, not any other country." A third remarked, "Unpaid internship for 6 months? Pagal ho kya?" A fourth posted, "Unpaid for 6 months? At least have some shame." Another user questioned, "You run an embassy and choose to invite interns proclaiming 'unpaid internship'—how does this sound diplomatically?"
