During the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, a significant volume of social media content related to the situation was generated and disseminated from India. The presence of fake news and support for Israel was notably prominent. For example, an outdated video of a Pakistani parliamentarian’s threats towards Israel and an older clip of an Israeli representative tearing up a UN report were circulated as current events, garnering substantial views.
Academics have observed a correlation between the rise in pro-Israel sentiment on Indian social media and the prevalent anti-Muslim views, particularly in the context of the Hindu nationalist ideology, Hindutva. This perspective often sees Israel as a model in its approach to Muslim populations, a sentiment that has gained traction under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
This shift in Indian public opinion towards Israel is also reflected in the political realm. Historically, India has supported Palestine’s statehood since its independence in 1947 and was the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). However, over the past decade, and particularly under Modi’s leadership, India’s stance has become more aligned with Israel, especially concerning counterterrorism and defense collaborations.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, targeting multiple locations including a Jewish center, further propelled India’s strategic closeness with Israel. Additionally, trade and technological interests, such as Israeli innovations in agriculture and water management, have strengthened bilateral ties. The purchase of Israeli arms during conflicts and the alleged acquisition of Pegasus spyware from an Israeli firm illustrate the deepening relationship.
Modi’s visit to Israel in 2017 marked a significant milestone, being the first by an Indian prime minister. His government’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with statements heavily favoring Israel, indicated a departure from India’s traditionally balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. This shift appears to mirror the sentiments of Modi’s right-wing base, which often views Muslims as aggressors.
The conflict’s portrayal on Indian social media reflects these changing political and social dynamics. An analysis of Twitter trends and hashtags related to the conflict showed a considerable leaning towards pro-Israel sentiment among Indian users. This change in narrative aligns with the broader nationalistic and ideological trends shaping India’s domestic and foreign policy under the current administration.
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