Greta Thunberg backs Indian students' protest in London, says movement has ‘made us all proud’

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has extended her support to Indian students protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, calling their campaign a powerful example of "people power" during a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London.

Joining a gathering organised by the Students' Federation of India (SFI UK), Thunberg praised the determination of students demanding transparency and accountability in India's examination system. Her remarks come as the nationwide movement over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination controversies continues to draw international attention.

Greta Thunberg expresses solidarity with Indian students

Addressing protesters in London, Thunberg described the Indian student movement as an inspiration for people around the world.

"The Indian Student Protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope. They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power," she said.

She added that the struggle for justice and democratic accountability in India was not confined to one country but represented a broader global movement.

According to organisers, the demonstration sought to express solidarity with students demanding fair, transparent and credible public examinations following allegations of paper leaks and examination malpractice.

London protest highlights global support

Images and videos shared by SFI UK leaders showed Thunberg standing alongside demonstrators carrying placards supporting Indian students.

SFI leaders said the protests in India had inspired people internationally by demonstrating how peaceful collective action could push for accountability and institutional reforms.

The demonstration primarily focused on concerns surrounding alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy, and called for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of public examinations.

Student protests spark policy changes

The student movement in India gained momentum after allegations of examination irregularities triggered widespread protests demanding greater transparency, accountability and systemic reforms.

Following weeks of demonstrations, including those led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the Union government announced several measures aimed at restoring confidence in the examination system.

Among the major developments were:

• Resignation of the Union Education Minister following prolonged protests.
• Announcement of compensation for families of students reportedly affected by the controversy.
• Proposal to strengthen the country's anti-paper leak legislation through amendments introducing stricter penalties.
• Constitution of a high-level examination reforms task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to recommend technology-driven improvements to India's examination system.

The reforms are expected to focus on improving examination security, enhancing digital infrastructure and preventing future incidents of organised examination fraud.

Greta Thunberg's earlier India connection

This is not the first time Thunberg has commented on developments in India. She had earlier drawn attention during the 2021 farmers' protests after sharing an online toolkit intended to mobilise international support for the movement.

Her latest appearance at the London demonstration once again places her alongside social movements advocating institutional reforms and public accountability.

Growing international attention on exam reforms

The participation of an internationally recognised climate activist has added global visibility to the debate surrounding India's public examination system. While the demonstrations originated over allegations linked to competitive examinations, they have since evolved into broader discussions on transparency, governance and protecting students' interests.

With Parliament considering tougher anti-paper leak legislation and an expert committee working on long-term examination reforms, the issue continues to remain at the centre of national and international attention.