India’s Embrace of Israel’s Security Model Draws Scrutiny in Kashmir
New Delhi, India – As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a second visit to Israel, beginning February 25, 2026, concerns are growing over the increasing adoption of Israeli policies and tactics by India, particularly in the disputed region of Indian-administered Kashmir. What began as a burgeoning friendship and military partnership is evolving into a shared approach to governance, raising alarms among analysts and human rights advocates.
From Diplomatic Overtures to a Shared Ideology
The shift towards closer ties with Israel became more pronounced after November 2019, when Sandeep Chakravorty, then India’s consul general in New York, publicly suggested that New Delhi should adopt an “Israeli model” in Kashmir. Chakravorty’s remarks came amidst a crippling military lockdown and communication blackout imposed on Kashmir following the revocation of its semi-autonomous status and the jailing of thousands, including pro-India political leaders.
Analysts suggest this alignment stems from a shared ideological vision. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rooted in the Hindutva philosophy, seeks to establish India as a Hindu nation, mirroring Israel’s self-definition as a Jewish homeland. Azad Essa, author of Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance Between India and Israel, argues that “the India-Israel relationship under Modi is a bond between two ideologies that see themselves as civilisational projects and Muslims as demographic and security threats.”
“Bulldozer Justice” and Demolitions
One of the most visible examples of this imported model is the “bulldozer justice” policy employed by the BJP in several states. Over the past decade, authorities have demolished the homes and shops of hundreds of Muslims, and razed mosques, often without legal due process, following religious tensions or protests against the Modi government. Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has become known as “Bulldozer Baba” for his enthusiastic use of this tactic.
This practice echoes Israel’s long-standing policy of demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to make way for settlements. Both actions, critics argue, serve to punish communities and assert dominance. Despite a November 2024 Indian Supreme Court ruling mandating due legal process before demolitions, the practice continues on the ground.
Surveillance and Security Cooperation
Beyond demolitions, India and Israel have deepened their security cooperation. India is the largest buyer of Israeli weapons, investing billions of dollars in purchases. Israel has also provided joint training for Indian soldiers and supplied advanced surveillance technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and air defense systems.
The use of Israeli spyware, such as Pegasus, developed by the NSO Group, has also raised concerns. Siddharth Varadarajan, cofounder of The Wire, was among journalists reportedly targeted by the spyware, which can remotely access and monitor mobile devices.
Kashmir as a Testing Ground
Indian-administered Kashmir has become a focal point for the implementation of these policies. Since August 2019, the region has been stripped of its autonomy and subjected to a heavy military presence, surveillance, and restrictive legal powers. This approach mirrors Israel’s control over the West Bank, with parallels drawn in the use of checkpoints, raids, and communication blackouts.
Following a 2025 attack in Kashmir, some Indian media commentators even called for Pakistan to be “turned into Gaza,” referencing Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian territory. This rhetoric highlights the extent to which the Israeli model is being considered as a template for addressing security challenges.
A Troubling Trend
The deepening ties between India and Israel, while strategically beneficial for both nations, are raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and human rights. Critics argue that the adoption of Israeli tactics risks exacerbating tensions and further marginalizing vulnerable communities within India. The long-term implications of this evolving relationship remain to be seen.