India and Israel Unite to Strengthen a Global Anti-Terror Front as New Threats Emerge

India and Israel marked the seventeenth anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks with a powerful message of unity, cooperation and renewed resolve. At a joint conference held in Mumbai, both nations reaffirmed that their fight against terrorism is not confined to past tragedies, but deeply intertwined with the new challenges of the digital era, from encrypted communication networks to the rising use of cryptocurrencies in terror financing.

The commemorative event, held on a date etched in Indian memory, became more than a tribute. It emerged as a strategic dialogue on how two democracies with shared histories of resilience and adversity are adapting to a security landscape that is rapidly transforming.

A Shared Battle Against Terror, and Against Distorted Narratives

Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai, spoke with unusual clarity and urgency. He stated that the challenge facing India and Israel today extends beyond confronting terrorists; it includes countering the false narratives that invert reality by portraying attackers as victims.

This idea reflects a broader concern among democratic nations, the weaponisation of misinformation. In an age where narratives can travel faster than facts, both countries recognise that national security now includes the domain of information integrity. The battle for truth, Revach suggested, is becoming as critical as the battle against extremist groups.

Remembering 26/11: A Story of Rescue, Courage and Universal Humanity

Revach revisited one of the most enduring images of the 2008 attacks: the rescue of two-year-old Moshe Holtzberg from Chabad House. He recalled how Moshe survived due to the courage of two individuals, his Christian nanny, Sandra “Samra” Samuel, and Zaki, a Muslim kitchen worker.

Their actions, he said, represent the universal truth that humanity often rises above terror. While Moshe’s parents were killed in the assault, the unity of people across faiths saved his life. Now 19, Moshe continues to be a symbol of resilience, a reminder that the legacy of 26/11 is not just one of loss, but of courage that transcends identity.

Revach also linked this personal recollection to contemporary pain, sharing that his partner’s cousin had been kidnapped and murdered in the October 7 attack in Israel. By connecting the two tragedies, he underscored a shared emotional and moral landscape between the two nations.

Democratic Parallels: Civilisations Reborn, Freedoms Defended

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar offered a broader philosophical perspective. He pointed out that India and Israel, separated by distance, share the rare distinction of being ancient civilisations reborn as modern democratic states. This dual heritage, he argued, brings with it both pride and responsibility, especially in regions marked by geopolitical volatility.

Narvekar emphasised that both countries face hostility not because of what they do, but because of what they represent: open societies rooted in diversity, debate and democratic freedoms. He noted that extremist ideologies often view diversity as a weakness and democratic rights as vulnerabilities, a pattern that both nations have experienced repeatedly.

His remarks placed the India–Israel partnership within a larger civilisational arc, one where democracy’s endurance relies on continual adaptation and collective security.

The New Face of Terror: Cryptocurrency and Digital Shadows

One of the conference’s most critical discussions focused on how terrorism is evolving through digital financing channels. Ella Rosenberg, senior fellow at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, highlighted that extremist organisations increasingly use cryptocurrencies to move funds across borders undetected.

Her insights captured the complexity of the challenge. Blockchain networks create traceable transaction paths, but the identity behind the transfers often remains concealed. “You see one wallet transferring to another, but you do not see who stands behind it,” she warned.

Rosenberg explained that money laundering and terror financing now share “the same operational foundations,” rendering traditional regulatory tools insufficient. As criminal and extremist networks adopt decentralised finance platforms, governments must upgrade their enforcement mechanisms, analytics capabilities and international coordination.

This emphasis aligns with global trends. A 2023 FATF report noted a significant rise in cases where digital currencies were used for illicit cross-border transfers. Both India and Israel recognise that the battleground has expanded beyond physical attacks to include digital anonymity, encrypted channels and decentralised transactions.

Strengthening Cooperation: From Traditional Security to New-Age Threats

The discussions throughout the conference underscored a shared belief: the threat may evolve, but cooperation must evolve faster. Over the years, India and Israel have strengthened their defence partnership across intelligence sharing, military technology and counter-terror strategies. What is emerging now is a new phase, one where cybersecurity, data analysis, financial monitoring and digital forensics become as important as conventional capabilities.

Both nations bring complementary strengths to this partnership. India’s scale, technological talent and regulatory influence combine with Israel’s deep expertise in cybersecurity, intelligence and innovation. Together, they form a strategic coalition that can confront both immediate and long-term challenges.

A Message of Resolve

The conference concluded with leaders reiterating a simple but powerful message: the two nations will continue to stand together, not only against terrorism in its traditional forms, but also against its emerging digital manifestations.
Seventeen years after 26/11, India and Israel find themselves navigating a more complex world, one where threats are fluid and boundaries increasingly irrelevant. Yet the partnership forged through shared pain, shared values and shared determination remains a constant.

As terrorism adapts, so too must the democracies that refuse to yield to it. In reaffirming their commitment, India and Israel signalled that their cooperation is more than diplomatic alignment, it is a joint investment in security, stability and the defence of democratic ideals.