Expressing deep concern over reports of a large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon amid continued Israeli strikes, India on Friday termed the situation “very disturbing” and stressed that adherence to international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states are essential.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and remains engaged with its nationals in Lebanon.
Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Lebanon is in close contact with the Indian community regarding their safety and security. “We have around 1,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon,” he added.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of a large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon. As a troop-contributing country to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is invested in Lebanon’s peace and security, the trajectory of events is very disturbing,” Jaiswal said.
He further reiterated that India has consistently emphasised the protection of civilians as the foremost priority.
On April 8, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office expressed support for the US decision to suspend strikes on Iran. However, it clarified that the two-week truce does not extend to military operations in Lebanon.