Kashmir, Spying, Demolitions: How Modi’s India Embraced the ‘Israel Model’

India’s security policies in India, particularly in the disputed region of Kashmir, have increasingly drawn comparisons with the approach used by Israel in the Palestinian territories. Analysts describe this shift as the adoption of an “Israel model” — a strategy that combines heavy surveillance, military dominance, and strict administrative controls to suppress dissent and reshape contested regions.
Since Narendra Modi took office in 2014, India has significantly deepened defense and intelligence cooperation with Israel. Once distant partners, the two countries now share advanced surveillance technology, counterterrorism expertise, and military hardware. This relationship has influenced how New Delhi manages Kashmir, especially after the revocation of the region’s semi-autonomous status in 2019.
Surveillance and Intelligence Expansion
One of the most visible elements of the “Israel model” is the rapid expansion of digital surveillance. Kashmir has become one of the most heavily monitored regions in the world. Authorities have installed extensive networks of CCTV cameras, facial recognition systems, and drone patrols. Mobile phone data and internet activity are closely tracked, and communication blackouts have been imposed during periods of unrest.
Israeli-made technologies, particularly advanced spyware and reconnaissance tools, have reportedly been incorporated into India’s security apparatus. Supporters argue these measures are necessary to combat militancy and prevent attacks. Critics, however, warn that such tools are increasingly used against journalists, political activists, and ordinary citizens, shrinking space for dissent and privacy.
Human rights groups say this mirrors Israel’s methods in the West Bank and Gaza, where surveillance is used not only for security but also to exert constant pressure on the population.
Demolitions and Collective Punishment
Another controversial practice linked to this model is the demolition of homes belonging to suspected militants or protesters. In Kashmir, authorities have razed dozens of houses in recent years, claiming they were used to shelter insurgents. Officials describe demolitions as a deterrent strategy designed to discourage families from supporting militancy.
This policy resembles Israel’s long-standing use of house demolitions as punishment for families of accused attackers. International legal experts argue that such actions amount to collective punishment, which is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Despite these criticisms, the tactic has gained political support within India as a visible demonstration of state power.
Local residents in Kashmir describe demolitions as devastating, leaving entire families homeless without due legal process. Many see it as a tool to intimidate communities and reshape demographics through fear and displacement.
Militarization of Daily Life
The “Israel model” also involves the normalization of military presence in civilian spaces. Kashmir is already one of the most militarized regions on earth, with hundreds of thousands of troops stationed across towns and villages. Checkpoints, armored vehicles, and fortified bunkers have become part of everyday life.
Schools, hospitals, and markets often operate under the watch of armed personnel. Curfews and movement restrictions are frequently imposed after attacks or protests. Supporters argue this level of control has reduced militant activity. Critics say it has deepened resentment and alienation among Kashmir’s Muslim majority population.
The shift reflects a broader ideological change within India’s ruling establishment, which increasingly frames Kashmir not as a political dispute but as a security problem requiring permanent force.
Political Messaging and Public Support
Domestically, the comparison with Israel carries political weight. Israel is often portrayed by Indian nationalist media as a model of toughness and technological superiority in fighting terrorism. The Modi government’s close ties with Israel have been celebrated as proof of India’s rise as a strong global power willing to abandon past restraint.
This narrative resonates with voters who support hardline policies and see Kashmir primarily through the lens of national security. The government’s actions are presented as restoring order and integrating the region fully into India.
However, opposition parties and civil society groups warn that the approach risks eroding India’s democratic foundations. They argue that policies tested in an occupation context cannot be safely applied within a constitutional democracy without severe consequences for civil liberties.
International Concerns
International observers have increasingly voiced alarm at India’s direction. The United Nations and several human rights organizations have criticized internet shutdowns, detentions without trial, and restrictions on press freedom in Kashmir. Comparisons to Israeli practices have intensified these concerns, especially given the long-standing criticism of Israel’s policies in Palestinian territories.
While India rejects the “Israel model” label, insisting its actions are internal security measures, the parallels are difficult to ignore. Both rely on surveillance, force, and administrative control rather than political reconciliation.
A Risky Path Forward
The embrace of this strategy marks a turning point in India’s governance of Kashmir. It may bring short-term stability, but experts warn it could fuel long-term instability by deepening grievances and mistrust.
By adopting techniques associated with occupation and control, India risks redefining its democracy through the lens of permanent security. The Kashmir experiment, modeled increasingly on Israel’s methods, raises a profound question: can lasting peace be achieved through surveillance and demolitions, or does it require political dialogue and respect for rights?
For now, the “Israel model” has become a defining feature of Modi’s India in Kashmir — one that continues to shape the region’s future and India’s global image.