Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas and other terror groups, bolstered by regional players like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran, provides valuable insights for India. This conflict is not just a war against terror; it is a multi-dimensional battle against state and non-state actors who exploit terror networks and proxies to destabilize the region. India, which faces its own security challenges, including the threat of terrorism and hostile neighbors, must learn and adapt strategies to deal with similar challenges.
Proxy Warfare: A Growing Threat
Israel’s situation underscores the complex dynamics of modern warfare, where terror groups receive significant support from states like Iran, which funds and arms Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. These proxies, while not formal armies, are highly trained, armed with modern weapons, and capable of wreaking havoc.
For India, the potential of a similar proxy war scenario looms large. With its long-standing tensions with Pakistan and the rising influence of China in South Asia, India must be prepared for the possibility of terrorist groups being used as proxies. Pakistan, for example, has historically supported groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, who have carried out attacks on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Multi-Front War Scenario
Israel’s current predicament, where it is facing threats on multiple fronts (from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in the north, and possibly even attacks from Iranian-backed forces), is another crucial lesson for India. In the event of a conflict with Pakistan or China, India too could face a multi-front war, with terror groups being activated to create internal unrest.
The possibility of insurgencies in Kashmir, support for Naxalite movements, or the radicalization of certain groups in Northeast India could lead to internal security challenges. The mobilization of non-state actors could further complicate an already difficult military scenario, requiring India to not only defend its borders but also deal with domestic terrorism.
Terrorism as a Tool for State Actors
Israel’s war against terror is not just against isolated groups but against well-funded organizations backed by powerful states. Iran, for example, channels billions of dollars to Hezbollah and Hamas annually. According to estimates, Hezbollah receives around $700 million annually from Iran, while Hamas gets around $100 million. These funds allow these groups to acquire advanced weaponry, such as precision-guided missiles, drones, and rocket systems.
Similarly, Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism is well documented. While India has successfully carried out surgical strikes and airstrikes in response to terror attacks, the threat of Pakistan’s deep ties with terror outfits remains constant. In a future war, Pakistan could escalate its use of proxies to destabilize India, just as Iran is doing against Israel.
Military Preparedness: What India Must Learn
One of the biggest lessons for India is the need to enhance military readiness to counter proxy warfare. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system has proven highly effective in intercepting the thousands of rockets launched by Hamas and Hezbollah. India, while working on its Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program, needs to expedite the deployment of comprehensive missile defense systems to protect key urban centers and military installations from both conventional and terror-based threats.
In addition, Israel’s intelligence apparatus, including its legendary Mossad, has been crucial in pre-empting many terror attacks. India, despite having capable agencies like RAW and IB, must continuously modernize its intelligence capabilities, particularly in counter-terrorism and cyber warfare, to ensure that proxy threats are neutralized before they escalate into large-scale conflicts.
Civil Defense and Public Preparedness
Israel’s conflict highlights the importance of civil defense mechanisms. Its population is well-versed in responding to emergencies, with frequent drills and an efficient early warning system. India, too, must develop robust civil defense strategies. Given its population size and density, particularly in vulnerable border states, mass casualties could be catastrophic if India does not invest in disaster preparedness and public awareness.
India also needs to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. As seen in Israel, cyberattacks can cripple a country’s critical infrastructure during a war. Pakistan and China have advanced cyber capabilities, and in a future conflict, India’s financial systems, energy grids, and communication networks could be targets of cyberwarfare.
Strategic Diplomacy
India can also draw from Israel’s strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts. Despite being surrounded by hostile neighbors, Israel has built strong defense ties with the United States and maintains crucial partnerships with European and Arab states. Similarly, India must deepen its strategic alliances with nations like Japan, Australia, and France. The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.) is already a promising framework for Indo-Pacific security, but India must continue building multi-lateral partnerships that can act as counterweights to both Pakistan and China.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Proxy War
Israel’s experience in dealing with proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah offers India valuable lessons in counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, and multi-front warfare. The possibility of Pakistan and China using terror groups to destabilize India in the event of a larger conflict is real, and India must be prepared. From investing in advanced defense systems like Iron Dome equivalents to bolstering intelligence and civil defense, India must adopt a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the threat of proxy warfare.
India’s future conflicts could very well mirror Israel’s—where non-state actors, backed by powerful adversaries, use asymmetric tactics to inflict damage. As Israel has shown, the key to survival lies in preparation, resilience, and the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of warfare.
