India on Friday welcomed the recently implemented 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, with the Ministry of External Affairs saying it supports all initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability.
Commenting on the diplomatic development at a media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India welcomes any move that promotes peace.
“We welcome the ceasefire. We welcome every step that leads to peace,” Jaiswal said.
Regarding Hamas, he mentioned: “We have a process in place and these issues are being addressed within that process.”
The Israeli-Lebanese crisis
A ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel entered into force on Thursday. The cessation of hostilities coincides with US President Donald Trump indicating he is working to arrange the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries.
The move is seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort by Washington to end the ongoing conflict involving Tehran. Iran has maintained a firm stance during the talks, insisting that any deal must include a cease-fire in Lebanon.
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s role in the Iran-US peace process, Jaiswal said India was closely monitoring the situation, adding that Delhi was following all developments in the conflict in West Asia.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia began after the United States and Israel’s military offensive against Iran on February 28. The situation escalated further when Lebanon got involved after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel on March 2.
Amid these developments, Trump expressed hope that Hezbollah would act responsibly during the ceasefire period. In a post on Truth Social, he stated: “I hope Hezbollah behaves nice and well during this important time. It will be a GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. They must finally have PEACE!”
Trump described the situation as a possible major development when he hinted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun could hold a historic meeting at the White House, the first in 44 years.
Despite the US president’s optimism about reaching an agreement to “take care of Hezbollah,” the situation on the ground remains complicated. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that Israeli forces will not retreat immediately.
Netanyahu stated: “We will remain in a 10-kilometer security zone that will allow us to prevent infiltration of communities and the firing of anti-tank missiles. He noted that Israel’s goal remains the “disarmament of Hezbollah” and a “sustainable peace agreement – from a position of strength.”
Amid a formal cease-fire, the movement toward peace reportedly remains shaky. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli artillery attacked towns such as Khiam and Dibbine shortly after the ceasefire came into effect. Even as Israeli forces remained on high alert, reports said some areas of Beirut witnessed celebrations, with fireworks marking the start of a 10-day period that Washington hopes will pave the way for a lasting solution.
