Ministry of External Affairs voices concern over rising casualties as Israel-Lebanon tensions escalate.
April 10, 2026: India has expressed serious concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon following intense Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed over 300 people. The Ministry of External Affairs said the developments were “very disturbing,” especially as India contributes troops to the UN peacekeeping mission in the region. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that protecting civilians must remain the top priority, while also stressing the need to respect international law and the sovereignty of nations.
The escalation comes despite a recently announced two-week ceasefire linked to tensions involving the US and Iran. Israeli strikes hit Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, marking one of the deadliest days since the conflict began. The crisis intensified after the killing of Ali Khamenei earlier this year, which triggered retaliatory actions by Hezbollah against Israel. Meanwhile, India has assured that its embassy in Lebanon is actively coordinating with the Indian community to ensure their safety.
Amid rising tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway, with expected talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington next week. Benjamin Netanyahu has called for direct negotiations, while disagreements persist over whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire framework. The situation remains volatile, with Hezbollah claiming fresh missile strikes on Israeli targets, raising concerns of further escalation in the region.