India's 'Israel Model': Kashmir, Surveillance, and Demolitions Examined

The Al Jazeera article, published on February 24, 2026, contends that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India has increasingly adopted an 'Israel model' in its governance, notably in its policies concerning Kashmir, alleged surveillance activities, and punitive demolitions. This evolving relationship extends beyond traditional military and trade partnerships, suggesting a convergence in certain aspects of their governance models, underpinned by a perceived ideological alignment. A key area of comparison is India's handling of Jammu and Kashmir. In August 2019, the Modi government abrogated Article 370 of the Indian constitution, thereby revoking the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating it into two Union Territories. This move was accompanied by an extensive military lockdown, prolonged communication blackouts, and the detention of thousands, including political leaders. Commentators and analysts, as cited in various reports, suggest these actions resemble Israel's strategies in dealing with Palestinians, particularly its 'rejection and non-engagement' with political dialogue and a predominant 'reliance on military power'. Further reinforcing this parallel, an Indian diplomat, Sandeep Chakravorty, in November 2019, was reportedly captured on camera advocating for an 'Israeli model' in Kashmir, specifically mentioning Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories for the potential resettlement of Kashmiri Hindus. This comparison suggests an ideological resonance, with some experts drawing parallels between India's Hindutva philosophy and Israel's Zionism, viewing both as 'civilisational projects' that regard Muslims as 'demographic and security threats'. Kashmir remains one of the world's most militarized zones. Additionally, there are reports indicating the deployment of Israeli-made drones and advanced surveillance technologies in Kashmir, which critics argue are part of 'shared infrastructures of violence'. The article's claims regarding 'spying' primarily revolve around the alleged use of Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli NSO Group. Siddharth Varadarajan, co-founder of the Indian news platform The Wire, was reportedly among the journalists targeted by this spyware. A January 2022 New York Times report asserted that India acquired Pegasus spyware as part of a substantial $2 billion weapons deal with Israel in 2017. In response to these allegations, India's Supreme Court, in October 2021, mandated an independent investigation into the alleged governmental use of Pegasus against journalists, opposition figures, and activists, voicing 'Orwellian concern'. The Court also highlighted the government's lack of a specific denial and its non-cooperation with the technical committee appointed for the probe. Amnesty International has also extensively documented the repeated targeting of high-profile journalists in India with Pegasus and has called for a global ban on such invasive spyware. The 'demolitions' aspect refers to the contentious 'bulldozer justice' policy implemented in several states governed by the BJP. Authorities have reportedly razed homes and businesses, predominantly belonging to Muslims, and even mosques, often without issuing proper legal notices. These demolitions are frequently observed in the aftermath of religious tensions or protests against government policies. Several reports, including those from Middle East Eye and Middle East Monitor, highlight striking similarities between these punitive demolitions in India and Israel's actions against Palestinians, which are often characterized as collective punishment. The broader India-Israel relationship has undergone significant strengthening under Prime Minister Modi. India has emerged as Israel's largest defense customer, with substantial expenditures on weapons purchases. This defense cooperation forms a crucial pillar of their strategic partnership, characterized by ongoing dialogue, joint military exercises, and technological collaboration. Both nations have also agreed to intensify counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence sharing. Notably, in 2016, then-President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Modi underscored their commitment to countering terrorism, radicalism, and extremism, alongside enhancing cyber-security cooperation. India has also diversified its defense procurement, reducing its historical reliance on Russia, with Israel becoming a key partner for advanced defense technologies, including missile defense systems and AI. Joint ventures for producing drones, missile systems, radar, and cybersecurity technologies are actively pursued. There are also reports indicating India supplied weapons to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Furthermore, the article notes that Modi's India has openly embraced Israel, a pivot that some analysts view as coming 'at the expense of its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause'. Historically, India had been a vocal proponent for Palestine's independence, even opposing the UN partition plan and being one of the first non-Arab states to recognize Palestine. However, diplomatic ties with Israel were formally established in 1992, and relations significantly deepened after Modi assumed power in 2014. Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Israel, scheduled for February 25-26, 2026, is anticipated to further solidify these strategic and security ties. Beyond defense, cooperation also extends to agriculture and water management, exemplified by initiatives such as the Haryana-Israel agreement on water management and a new water technology center at IIT Madras. The article's overarching assertion is that this 'Israel model' is perceived by some as a template for India's aspirations for global power, with the relationship characterized by a bond between ideologies that share 'supremacist ends'. Critics argue that this close alignment could compromise India's moral standing internationally, particularly given its historical advocacy for human rights and decolonization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest