New Delhi, February 25 : India's ties with Israel have deepened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, with New Delhi adopting tactics similar to Israel's occupation of Palestine in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, say analysts. At a private event in 2019, a senior Indian diplomat suggested adopting the "Israeli model" in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, referring to Israel's settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. Six years later, India's policies reflect this approach, with the Modi government embracing Israel's tactics in governance.
The bond between India and Israel is rooted in a shared ideological vision, with both countries seeing Muslims as demographic and security threats. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to turn India into a Hindu nation, mirroring Israel's Jewish homeland ideology.
India has adopted Israel's "bulldozer justice" policy, demolishing homes and shops of Muslims and razing mosques without due process. This tactic, used by Israel in Palestine, has been employed by BJP-ruled states in India, often following religious tensions or protests.
India and Israel have strengthened defence ties, with India buying billions in Israeli weapons. Israel has provided training and technology, including spyware, to India's security forces. The use of Pegasus spyware has raised concerns about surveillance and authoritarianism, the Aljazeera report said.
India's approach to Kashmir mirrors Israel's treatment of the West Bank, with militarisation, population management, and restrictive laws. Kashmir has been stripped of autonomy, with limited democratic power and a heavy military presence.
Analysts warn that India's adoption of Israel's model undermines democracy and human rights. "The Indian government is treating populations like external threats," says Azad Essa, author of "Hostile Homelands". Siddharth Varadarajan, cofounder of The Wire, notes that India has become increasingly authoritarian, with restricted internet access and surveillance.
The India-Israel partnership has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic values and human rights in India. As Modi prepares for his second visit to Israel, critics urge the government to reconsider its approach. source KMS