New Delhi: India, on Friday, expressed deep concern over reports of the high number of civilian casualties in Lebanon, calling the developments “very disturbing”.
This came after fresh strikes by Israel on Lebanon, resulting in over 250 deaths.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of a large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while addressing a press conference during the day.
He highlighted India’s role as a troop-contributing nation to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), saying: “As a troop contributing country to the UNIFIL that is invested in Lebanon’s peace and security, the direction of events is very disturbing.”
“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,” Jaiswal said, reiterating India’s longstanding position.
Steps are also being taken to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region, he said. “Our Embassy in Lebanon remains in close touch with the Indian community for its safety and security.”
India is also s
tepping up its engagement with Gulf nations to secure its energy needs while closely monitoring developments in West Asia, Jaiswal stated.
“We are closely following developments in West Asia. We continue to reach out to countries in the Gulf region. At the direction of the Prime Minister, our ministers are visiting Gulf countries to strengthen our energy security,” he said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently visiting Mauritius and will travel to the United Arab Emirates on April 11 and 12, 2026. “He will hold discussions with leaders in the UAE to foster stronger India-UAE ties,” the MEA spokesperson said, as reported by News18.
“Even as we work to strengthen our energy security, we are also providing support to our neighbouring countries as per their request to meet their energy needs. We supplied 38 metric tons of petroleum product to Sri Lanka two weeks ago,” Jaiswal said, highlighting India’s regional support efforts amid the energy crisis.
“We are finalising a government-to-government agreement for the supply of oil and gas, which will play an important role in reinforcing the energy security of Mauritius,” he added.
Jaiswal also spoke on India’s engagement with Qatar. “Our minister of petroleum is visiting Qatar on the 9th and 10th of April. Presently, he is in Qatar. Qatar is an important supplier of energy to India,” he said.
“Qatar’s energy minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier and looks forward to continuing and strengthening energy relations and cooperation with India,” he added.