India has expressed profound concern regarding the escalating civilian casualties in Lebanon following intense Israeli airstrikes. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the protection of civilians is paramount and stressed the importance of adhering to international law and respecting state sovereignty.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that New Delhi is closely observing the developments in Lebanon, where escalating hostilities have resulted in a significant loss of civilian life. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional spillover.
These remarks come in the wake of Israel’s most intense strikes on Lebanon since the conflict began, which reportedly killed hundreds of people. The airstrikes targeted numerous Hezbollah command centers and military installations across various regions of Lebanon.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing position that civilian protection must be the highest priority in any conflict. He emphasized the necessity of observing international law and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
Given India’s role as a troop-contributing country to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the ministry expressed that the current direction of events is particularly worrying due to India’s investment in Lebanon’s peace and security.
The Indian government also confirmed that it is taking steps to ensure the safety of its nationals residing in Lebanon. The Indian Embassy in Beirut is maintaining close contact with the Indian community to address their safety and security concerns.