Israeli security experts, who have collaborated with their Indian counterparts, say one of the key lessons of 26/11 is the need for a change in the basic mindset of Indian security forces, be it the Army, special forces such as the NSG or Marine Commandos and indeed, the local police. “Modern terrorism has become very complicated,” says Dr Gidi Netzer, an Israel-based international expert on counter-terrorism and conflict-crisis management. “These days there are hybrid threats where terrorists operate more like a modern army and less like a guerrilla group and we have to understand their motives and define terrorism anew.”

A counter-terror consultant for governments and security agencies across the world, Netzer says Israel could be of help in three key areas: tightening border controls to prevent terrorists from entering, including from the sea route, putting in place a co-ordinated crisis response system, upgrading the tactical abilities of security forces and training them to use technology.

“India has a lot of soft targets and they will continue to remain soft targets,” says Netzer. “India has to be very sensitive to these threats, stop, stand back, assess and rebuild its capabilities. Whether it is Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, Delhi or Mumbai, the basic principles of countering terror will be the same. We have some capabilities in these areas and we are more than willing to help.”