The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, reiterating India’s consistent stance in favor of de‑escalation and dialogue in West Asia. In a statement by official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India said it “welcomes the ceasefire” and added that it “welcomes every step that leads towards peace,” underscoring its preference for diplomatic solutions over sustained military confrontation in the region.
Jaiswal’s remarks align with India’s long‑standing practice of welcoming cessations of hostilities whenever they are announced between Israel and Lebanon and of calling for protection of civilians, respect for international law and adherence to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. In earlier statements on West Asia, the MEA has repeatedly stressed that “de‑escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy” are essential to stabilizing the region and has flagged concern over rising civilian casualties in Lebanon amid ongoing strikes.
On the question of Hamas, Jaiswal told reporters that India “has a process in place, and those issues are addressed under that process.” This formulation reflects India’s calibrated approach to the broader Israel‑Hamas‑West Asia equation, under which New Delhi has in the past welcomed ceasefire agreements in Gaza while also condemning terrorism and attacks that harm civilians, including the October 7, 2023, Hamas‑led attack on Israel. The MEA’s position continues to emphasize multilateralism, humanitarian access, and a return to political negotiations, rather than open‑ended military action, across the wider Middle East.