NEW DELHI: Amid outrage over the latest Israeli strikes on Lebanon, India on Friday expressed deep concern over the large number of civilian casualties in aerial attacks that followed the two-week US-Iran ceasefire announced on Wednesday. The attacks left over 300 dead, according to reports from the region. As a troop-contributing country to UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which is invested in Lebanon’s peace and security, the direction of events is very disturbing, said the ministry of external affairs in response to media queries. The ministry did not name Israel. The ceasefire has come under strain because of confusi-on over whether Lebanon is included in the deal. While Israel maintains it is not, Iran has described the attacks as a blatant violation of the agreement. “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,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, adding that the Indian embassy in Lebanon remained in close touch with the Indian community for its safety and security. India had welcomed the temporary ceasefire, expressing hope that it would facilitate freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz and lead to lasting peace in the region. Pakistan seemed set to host talks between the US and Iran on Saturday to secure the ceasefire, which remains fragile for now. On his way to Pakistan, US Vice-President J D Vance said he was looking forward to the negotiations that he thought were going to be positive. However, he warned Tehran not to “play” the US. “As the President of the US said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” said Vance. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel was ready to start negotiations with Lebanon for disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Police Crack Down on ISI-Linked Spy Module, 10 Arrested; Second Network Busted After Pan-India Surveillance Plot’Chokepoints Now A Global Anxiety’: Jaishankar Invokes West Asia Crisis At Indian Ocean ConferenceMathura: Boat Carrying Devotees Capsizes In Yamuna; 10 Bodies Recovered, Rescue Ops OnQatar Assures Reliable Energy Supply To India Amid West Asia Crisis After Hardeep Puri’s Doha VisitPakistan-ISI Spy Network Busted: 11 Arrested For Recce Of Military Sites Across North IndiaCentre Notifies CAPF General Administration Act 2026; Families, Retired Officers Protest in DelhiJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in Washington123PhotostoriesHow to differentiate between naturally and chemically ripened banana: FSSAI’s rulebook on ripening temperature for the fruit5 things that make Bandhavgarh National Park irresistible to nature loversGold or platinum with diamonds: Which one actually makes you look richer?Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares secrets on how to use moong (whole, split with skin, and split skinless) for maximum benefitsShubman Gill’s new house in Juhu, Mumbai is a ₹20 crore luxury apartment with sea views, full-floor privacy and luxury amenitiesChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to10 stunning gates that reflect the beauty of Indian architectureThat constant throat clearing isn’t just a habit: What it could reveal about acid reflux and how to manage itBest TV mystery and thriller series: ‘Sherlock’, ‘Line of Duty’, ‘Dexter’ and moreKangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan to Hema Malini: Bollywood celebrities who stepped into politics123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026
NEW DELHI: Amid outrage over the latest Israeli strikes on Lebanon, India on Friday expressed deep concern over the large number of civilian casualties in aerial attacks that followed the two-week US-Iran ceasefire announced on Wednesday. The attacks left over 300 dead, according to reports from the region. As a troop-contributing country to UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which is invested in Lebanon’s peace and security, the direction of events is very disturbing, said the ministry of external affairs in response to media queries. The ministry did not name Israel. The ceasefire has come under strain because of confusi-on over whether Lebanon is included in the deal. While Israel maintains it is not, Iran has described the attacks as a blatant violation of the agreement. “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,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, adding that the Indian embassy in Lebanon remained in close touch with the Indian community for its safety and security. India had welcomed the temporary ceasefire, expressing hope that it would facilitate freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz and lead to lasting peace in the region. Pakistan seemed set to host talks between the US and Iran on Saturday to secure the ceasefire, which remains fragile for now. On his way to Pakistan, US Vice-President J D Vance said he was looking forward to the negotiations that he thought were going to be positive. However, he warned Tehran not to “play” the US. “As the President of the US said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” said Vance. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel was ready to start negotiations with Lebanon for disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations.
