India on Friday sent tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. A total of 33 tons of medical supplies is being sent to Lebanon, said the Indian foreign affairs ministry.
In its first tranche, New Delhi has 11 tons of medical supplies, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, reports WION.
"The consignment comprises of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and anesthetics," Jaiswal added.
Lebanon's Ambassador to India, Rabie Narsh, while addressing a press conference on the ongoing conflict, said, "The humanitarian aid has flooded Lebanon since the aggression started. We have, thankfully, great friends in the world.
"On top of them is India. India is our good friend. We enjoyed very good relations, excellent relations since maybe the independence of both countries dated 70 or more than 80 years back."
He added, "India, even before asking, has rushed to propose humanitarian aid. India has offered about 30 tonnes of medicines. India has already been supporting us. We have been exchanging good relations in the international arena."
Amid escalating violence in southern Lebanon, India called for the protection of United Nations peacekeepers in the region, particularly the personnel stationed along the Blue Line, which separates Lebanon from Israel.