The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement brokered by the US is seen as a major step towards easing tension in the West Asian region
India has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, maintaining that it has always called for "de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy."
“We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The announcement came after US President Joe Biden said that he had spoken with the Prime Ministers of Israel and Lebanon, both of whom accepted a US-mediated proposal to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a post on X, Joe Biden said, “Today, I have good news to report from the Middle East. I have spoken to the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to announce: They have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.”
In response, Israel also issued a statement: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it.”
Earlier, the MEA had said that the Indian Embassy in Israel was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with Indian nationals in the region. Necessary travel advisories were issued to ensure their safety.