Amid reports of devastating civilian deaths in Lebanon, India has issued a stern appeal for all sides to respect international humanitarian law. The Foreign Ministry described the unfolding events as deeply disturbing, calling for immediate restraint.
During a briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal voiced India’s grave alarm at the mounting civilian toll. ‘These developments are extremely worrisome,’ he said, reiterating New Delhi’s dedication to Lebanon’s stability as a troop-contributing nation to UNIFIL.
Civilian protection tops India’s agenda, Jaiswal stressed, alongside the imperative to honor sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Indian mission in Beirut is actively coordinating with around 1,000 compatriots on the ground, ensuring their well-being amid the chaos.
The statement arrives against a backdrop of tentative US-Iran ceasefire, effective for two weeks, with negotiations looming. Israel, however, explicitly excluded its Lebanese operations from the deal. Netanyahu’s team endorsed the Iran pause on April 8 but affirmed uninterrupted action against Hezbollah strongholds.
Israeli strikes post-ceasefire targeted 100 sites in Lebanon within minutes, according to military claims. Ambassador Azar told Indian media that diminished Iranian strength hasn’t quelled Hezbollah dangers, justifying continued IDF efforts. The forces have halted Iran-focused ops but persist with precision strikes in Lebanon to neutralize threats.
India’s position reflects its nuanced foreign policy, blending support for multilateral peacekeeping with humanitarian advocacy. With Indian peacekeepers embedded in UNIFIL, New Delhi watches closely, hoping its plea influences a path to calm in this volatile theater.
