Arabic version: تشابه إدارة الهند مع نهج إسرائيل في الصراع
New Delhi, India – At a private event in November 2019, former consul general Sandeep Chakravorty stirred controversy when he suggested that India should adopt an “Israeli model” for managing Kashmir. This statement came during a period when Kashmir was under a strict military lockdown following the revocation of its semi-autonomous status by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. According to Al Jazeera, Chakravorty referenced the resettlement of Kashmiri Hindus who fled during an armed rebellion in 1989, drawing parallels to Israeli settlements in occupied territories.
Chakravorty’s remarks resonate strongly today, as Modi prepares for his second visit to Israel starting on February 25. Analysts observe that the relationship between India and Israel has deepened significantly since Modi took office in 2014, with both countries sharing a vision that sees Muslims as security threats. This ideological alignment has led to an increase in policies that reflect Israel’s governance strategies, particularly in Kashmir.
One notable example is the controversial “bulldozer justice” policy, where the homes and businesses of Muslims have been demolished in various states without legal proceedings. This approach mirrors Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes to facilitate settlement expansion. The demolitions often follow communal tensions or protests, similar to tactics employed in Israel to suppress dissent.
Political scientists argue that the BJP’s Hindutva ideology aligns closely with Israel’s majoritarian policies, as both seek to establish a national identity rooted in ethnic or religious supremacy. The notion of a Hindu nation has gained traction, with Modi’s government increasingly adopting measures reminiscent of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
Despite a ruling by India’s top court in November 2024 that mandated due legal process before property demolition, such actions continue unabated. Analysts suggest that both nations use these tactics to convey a political message about belonging and exclusion within their respective societies. As India strengthens its defense ties with Israel, the influence of Israel’s security policies on India’s governance becomes increasingly apparent.
