Lebanon under Israeli fire, India speaks out: Deep concern over civilian casualties, respect sovereignty

India has high stakes in the reopening of the Strait Hormuz which is being tightly controlled by Iran – eight Indian vessels have transited the strait in the last six weeks.

The Embassy of India in Tehran has so far facilitated movement of 2,180 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including 981 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen.

On Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We are deeply concerned by reports of a large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon.”

“As a troop contributing country to the UNIFIL that is invested in Lebanon’s peace and security, the direction of events is very disturbing,” he said. India has more than 600 troops as part of the UN contingent serving in Lebanon.

“India has always emphasised the protection of civilians as the foremost priority. Observing international law, and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is essential,” Jaiswal said.

“Our Embassy in Lebanon remains in close touch with the Indian community for its safety and security,” he said. There are around 2,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon.

Israeli forces launched the biggest attack of the war hours after the ceasefire was announced, killing more than 250 Lebanese.

Iran says the truce was meant to apply to Lebanon, a position initially supported by Pakistan, which mediated it. Israel and the United States say Lebanon is not covered by the US-Iranian ceasefire. But in a shift Thursday, Israel said it would open separate talks with the Lebanese government aimed at ending the war there and disarming Hezbollah.