Discrimination Against Muslims and Jews: The Struggles Faced by Religious Minorities
In the world of international politics, relationships between nations can be as dynamic as they are complex. This is particularly true for India and Israel, two nations with a history of cautious relations that have evolved significantly in recent years.
Recent claims by Dame Penny Mordaunt and Lord Mann, UK government officials, have shed light on a new issue within the UK: anti-Semitism, which they claim is "rife" among the middle class. They recommend specific anti-Semitism training, and interestingly, the authors of a report on anti-Muslim fanatics suggest the same measures could apply to counteract such fanaticism.
Meanwhile, India's shift in its relationship with Israel, particularly since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, has been marked. The first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel in 2017 symbolised a pronounced warming of ties, leading to rapid expansion in defense, cyber, and intelligence cooperation. Israeli counterinsurgency tactics and surveillance technology have notably influenced India's approach to internal security challenges.
However, this closer alignment with Israel comes at a diplomatic cost. India's neutral stance on Israeli military actions against Iranian targets and worries about India’s tilt toward Israel have strained India’s long-standing relationships with the Muslim world, especially Iran. This complicates India’s role as a balancing actor in the Middle East and the Global South.
Concerning Israeli actions toward Palestinians, India maintains a complex and cautious position. While historically supporting Palestine, India has not publicly criticized Israeli military operations recently, as seen by its abstention from the June 2025 United Nations ceasefire resolution on Gaza.
The economic side of the India-Israel relationship shows complexity amid regional instability. India’s oil imports from the Middle East, including Iran, are vital, and conflicts in the region threaten energy security and economic stability. Despite tensions, India-Israel trade is resilient in defense sectors, though fluctuating overall trade values suggest impact from geopolitical developments.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the renowned Indian leader, refused to help the Zionist delegation seeking aid for Israel, stating that they had "erred grievously" in imposing themselves on Palestine. This stance echoes in the current discourse, as anti-Semitism, referred to as "the oldest hatred," has been a topic of discussion in the British Parliament.
The evolving India-Israel relationship, while influenced by shared security concerns and political ideologies, is a delicate balancing act that requires careful navigation. As the world watches, the future of this relationship will continue to unfold, with potential implications for both nations and the broader global community.
- Despite the diplomatic consequences, India's lifestyle and approach to internal security have been influenced by Israeli counterinsurgency tactics and surveillance technology, a significant shift first noticed post-2014 with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
- In the realm of education and self-development, a UK government report on anti-Muslim fanatics proposes the same anti-Semitism training as a countermeasure, mirroring recommendations made by officials Dame Penny Mordaunt and Lord Mann regarding the alleged rise of anti-Semitism among the British middle class.
- In the world of general news, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's refusal to aid Israel in the past echoes in the current discussions about anti-Semitism in the British Parliament, highlighting the persistence of this "oldest hatred."
- In the world of sports, the India-Israel relationship presents a complex balancing act, with economic interests in the Middle East impacting India's energy security and trade relationships, revealing the intricate interplay between war and conflicts, politics, and economy.
