India Draws Parallels Between Hamas Attack and Cross-Border Terrorism, Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has directly linked the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel to India’s long and painful experience with cross-border terrorism, reinforcing New Delhi’s consistent and uncompromising stance against terror. Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event in New Delhi, Misri said India is “too familiar with such mindless brutality,” reflecting decades of terror attacks that have targeted Indian civilians and security forces through networks operating across borders.

By drawing this comparison, Misri underscored how India views terrorism not as an isolated regional issue but as a global threat that follows similar patterns of ideology, organisation and intent. His remarks highlighted India’s belief that the methods used by extremist groups in different regions share common characteristics, including the deliberate targeting of civilians to spread fear and destabilise societies.

According to the United Nations, this date was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Death Camp on January 27, 1945. | Moneycontrol

Solidarity With Israel and Condemnation of Terror

Reiterating India’s position, Misri recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong condemnation of the Hamas attack and India’s expression of solidarity with Israel. He reaffirmed that India stands firmly against terrorism in all its forms and supports the right of nations to defend their citizens from terror violence. The October 7 attack, which resulted in large-scale civilian deaths and hostage-taking, was described as a stark reminder of the human cost of extremist violence.

Indian officials have consistently stressed that terrorism must be condemned without ambiguity or selective outrage. New Delhi’s position reflects its own experience as a frequent target of cross-border terror, shaping its diplomatic and security policies over the years. India has also repeatedly called for the international community to address not only terror attacks themselves but also the infrastructure, financing and external support systems that enable terrorist groups to operate.

Holocaust Remembrance and the Dangers of Normalising Hate

Beyond the immediate security context, Misri placed his remarks within the broader moral framework of Holocaust remembrance. He warned that some of history’s gravest atrocities began not with mass violence, but with the gradual normalisation of hatred, dehumanisation and exclusion. According to him, silence and indifference in the face of prejudice can allow destructive ideologies to take root and grow.

Misri described Holocaust remembrance as a reminder of the responsibility to actively resist hatred and discrimination in all forms. He paid tribute to Holocaust survivors, highlighting their resilience and courage, and stressed that remembrance must translate into real-world commitment to prevent atrocities and protect human dignity. His message linked historical lessons with contemporary challenges, arguing that combating extremism today requires moral clarity as well as political will.

India’s Ongoing Struggle With Cross-Border Terror

India’s remarks come amid continued concerns over cross-border terrorism, particularly following recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian authorities have maintained that such incidents are part of a broader strategy to destabilise the region, disrupt economic recovery and undermine social stability. Officials have briefed foreign diplomats on evidence pointing to terror networks operating from across the border, reinforcing India’s diplomatic push to hold sponsors of terrorism accountable.

New Delhi has repeatedly stated that terrorism is aimed not only at causing immediate casualties but also at damaging long-term peace, development and investor confidence. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where tourism and economic activity have shown signs of revival, such attacks are seen as deliberate attempts to reverse progress and spread fear among civilians.

West Asia and the Search for Sustainable Peace

Addressing the wider regional context, Misri referred to ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict in West Asia. He noted that ceasefire initiatives and hostage releases have provided some relief to affected families and communities. India has expressed support for genuine international efforts aimed at reducing violence and moving toward a durable and sustainable peace in the region.

While maintaining its firm stance against terrorism, India has also emphasised the importance of long-term political and diplomatic solutions. New Delhi’s position reflects its broader foreign policy approach, which combines strong counter-terrorism principles with support for dialogue and stability in conflict-prone regions.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s remarks linking the October 7 Hamas attack to its own experience with cross-border terrorism reflect a long-standing reality shaped by decades of violence targeting civilians and security forces. By drawing parallels between global extremist groups, New Delhi is reinforcing the view that terrorism follows common patterns of ideology, organisation and intent, regardless of geography. This framing strengthens India’s position that terror is not a regional or isolated issue, but part of a broader global threat that deliberately targets civilians to spread fear and destabilise societies.

The emphasis on solidarity with Israel and zero tolerance for terrorism also aligns with India’s consistent diplomatic and security stance. At the same time, referencing Holocaust remembrance highlights the dangers of normalising hatred and indifference, linking historical lessons with present-day challenges. India’s message combines moral clarity with strategic intent, stressing that combating terrorism requires not only condemning attacks but also addressing the networks, financing and external support systems that sustain extremist violence.

(Sources: Business Standard, Moneycontrol)