Mumbai attacks: Israel can learn from India’s resilience
Following the brutal terror attacks committed against Israel on October 7 by Hamas, it is hard not to refer to the attacks in Mumbai in 2008. These two terror attacks happened to democratic countries that are dealing with radical Islam, both inside and outside the country, by entities that seek to destroy these countries. Those attacks were also a turning point in the defence perceptions of both countries, due to the element of surprise and mainly because of their brutal nature and outcomes.
This month marks the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The attacks were perpetrated by 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), an Islamic jihadist organisation based in Pakistan. They unfolded over two-and-a-half days, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 170 lives and leaving hundreds wounded. The well-trained and heavily armed attackers received support from individuals within Pakistan, with motives rooted in long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan and fuelled by extremist ideologies.
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The element of surprise, choice of targets, and patterns of action caught Indian security forces off guard, and it took over 60 hours before they gained control of the situation. The attacks aimed not only to instigate existing tensions in India but also to inflict severe economic damage, targeting Mumbai, the nation’s economic hub. The assailants sought to underscore India’s perceived weakness in protecting its citizens and tourists.
The meticulously planned, large-scale attacks exposed vulnerabilities in India’s security, leading to crucial reforms and increased collaboration between intelligence agencies. Globally, the Mumbai attacks emphasised India’s significant role in the fight against terrorism, prompting the nation to prioritise this issue on the world stage.
In the aftermath of these events, we have witnessed a strengthening in the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Israel, having experienced similar challenges, became a natural ally for India. India’s approach implemented in its foreign relations, guided by pragmatic national interests, remained intact despite the geopolitical implications of terrorist attacks.
Cooperation between India and Israel continued to flourish in the years following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Both countries interact with innovative environments that require the existence of trained and equipped armies that face both external and internal threats. India is obliged to be creative while dealing with terrorism in general and maritime terrorism in particular. India collaborates with other countries in the fight against terrorism to further develop technological expertise in the field.
In light of current developments in West Asia, it is important to work together with Israel, a country with vast knowledge in the field, welcoming such collaborations. The Indian support of Israel during the last month has sharpened the perception that Israel and India are important strategic partners, a process started from 2014.
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Relations with the Palestinians are not a zero-sum game, but rather highlight the need of adopting a balancing policy. India has a key role in terms of humanitarian aid and has shaped its position in West Asia as an important player. Therefore, it is necessary to tackle together the challenges that Israel and the Palestinians are facing.
In conclusion, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, much like the events of October 7, remain a painful chapter in India’s history, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality of radical Islamic terrorism. These tragic events prompted significant reforms in both India and Israel’s defence perceptions. Israel, in particular, can learn from India’s resilience and the changes implemented in its security apparatus.
Recognising the shared threat, both nations must continue their collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and garner international support to address this global challenge effectively.
The writer is an expert on Indian foreign policy and politics.
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