Srinagar, 15 Oct 2023: Political experts and analysts have recently drawn parallels between the modern histories of Israel and India, highlighting the influence of British colonialism in shaping the political landscapes of both nations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the experts in statements made in Srinagar point out that in both nations, British colonial tactics revolved around a strategy of “divide and conquer,” which pit tribes or religious groups against one another. This ensured inter-group conflicts, preventing unity against the colonizers.
They highlighted the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India during the 1980s, which emerged from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an anti-Muslim movement. The RSS’s ideology centers on the belief in the racial superiority of Hindus, influenced by German and Italian fascism. Similarly, in Israel, right-wing parties have consistently dominated the political scene since 1977.
The experts noted that these right-wing parties in Israel engaged in land appropriation in the West Bank, leading to an apartheid-like system where Jewish settlers enjoy full citizenship rights, while Palestinians remain unrecognized. In both nations, there’s a perception of facing a shared Muslim adversary. For Israel, this enemy is represented by groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and nations like Iran, while for India, the perceived threats are from Pakistani-backed militants and the Kashmir protest movement.
Additionally, both countries have significant Muslim minorities, which the religious majorities perceive as challenges to their dominance. The experts also emphasized the role of powerful US lobbies that both nations maintain, which reflect Islamophobic sentiments prevalent in both nations. These lobbying efforts support the countries’ respective interests, further advancing the narrative of religious extremism.
The experts mentioned that American Hindu organizations have emulated the Jewish community, creating think tanks, foundations, and advocacy groups that promote Hindutva values, such as the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Dharma Civilization Foundation (DCF).
The concluding remarks from the experts drew attention to the transformation both countries are undergoing – from democracies to ethnocracies, where religious majorities overshadow minorities. This shift aims at subjugating a world religion with a vast following. They warned of the risks involved, which could escalate conflicts, leading not just to isolated communal violence but potential wars between nations.