On one side, Israel; on the other, India. They seem like two sides of the same coin. Both nations appear to have launched a concerted campaign against Muslims. Not only that, India has also supplied weapons to Israel for use against Muslims in Gaza. While the rest of the world stood in solidarity with Palestine on April 7, many in India voiced support for the occupying force—Israel. Some even mocked the killings in Gaza as a source of amusement. Is there a united front between these two nations targeting Muslims?
According to a report published by Al Jazeera on June 26, 2024, India exported rockets and explosives to Israel during the Gaza war. On May 15 of the previous year, a cargo ship named “Borkum” was spotted near the port of Cartagena, Spain. Documents show the vessel had departed from Chennai, India, heading to Ashdod, Israel. Onboard were rocket engines, explosive materials, and cannon propellants.
The report also revealed that after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp on June 6 last year, missile debris with “Made in India” markings was discovered. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Indian company Premier Explosives Limited manufactures solid propellants for Israel’s Barak missiles. In March, the company’s Executive Director, T. Choudhury, informed investors that exports to Israel had significantly boosted their revenue.
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long claimed to act as a mediator in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the revelation of arms shipments to Israel casts doubt on India’s intentions. The Indian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense have declined to comment.
India’s bias toward Israel has become increasingly apparent. On April 7 this year, Palestinians called for a global strike, receiving widespread support from nations like Bangladesh, the U.S., Germany, and France. Protesters worldwide demanded an end to Israel’s brutal occupation. But in India, the streets told a different story. Indian citizens rallied for Israel, chanting slogans that framed Israel’s actions as anti-terrorism rather than humanitarian violations. In one incident, a worker from the Uttar Pradesh Power Department was dismissed for hoisting the Palestinian flag.
On social media, some Indian pages made vile jokes using videos of people dying from Israeli bombings in Gaza, even turning them into memes. When journalist Aditi Roy shared a post in support of Gaza, her comment section was flooded with hateful and mocking responses.
India’s complicity doesn’t end with supporting Israeli violence—it extends to domestic anti-Muslim actions. A controversial amendment to the Waqf Act now allows the ruling BJP to seize Muslim religious properties. Analysts warn this will make demolishing mosques in India even easier. Historically, the government has already destroyed Babri Masjid, Shahi Masjid, and Akhoonji Masjid. During Eid-ul-Azha, Muslims have been lynched for sacrificing cows. In another incident, a Muslim man was beaten to death for refusing to be colored during Holi celebrations.
In short, while Israel and India differ in people, language, and culture, they seem united in their approach to Muslim persecution. This raises a chilling question: Are Israel and India pursuing the same agenda? Are they truly two sides of the same coin?