Beirut: On Thursday, the first installment of humanitarian assistance from India to Lebanon was officially presented to Lebanon's Health Minister, Firas Abiad, by India's Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh.
The consignment, which includes 11 tons of medical supplies, was received by Minister Abiad in a ceremony, underscoring India's commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations with Lebanon.
In a subsequent post on the official social media platform, the Indian Embassy in Lebanon conveyed its dedication to enhancing the partnership with Lebanon, particularly in the context of the humanitarian support being extended.
"The inaugural shipment of India's humanitarian aid has arrived in Beirut. Minister Firas Abiad graciously received the consignment of medical supplies in the presence of Ambassador Noor Rahman Sheikh. This gesture underscores India's steadfast commitment to nurturing closer ties with Lebanon," the embassy statement read.
On October 18, India initiated the delivery of the initial 11 tons of medical supplies as part of a broader humanitarian initiative aimed at assisting Lebanon amidst escalating tensions and the ongoing conflict in the southern region. The total amount of medical supplies to be dispatched is set at 33 tons.
In a press release on the same day, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, announced the dispatch of the humanitarian aid. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the aid, which includes a diverse array of pharmaceutical products, ranging from cardiovascular medications to antibiotics and anaesthetics, among others.
Furthermore, Lebanon's Ambassador to India, Rabie Narsh, underscored India's prompt response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, particularly in the face of escalating regional tensions.
During a press conference on October 18, Ambassador Narsh emphasized the importance of India's humanitarian efforts, noting that the support has been overwhelming since the aggression began. He also praised India as a steadfast ally and expressed gratitude for the enduring friendship between the two nations, dating back to the independence of both countries over 70 to 80 years ago.
He further highlighted India's proactive role in providing humanitarian aid, mentioning that India has already contributed approximately 30 tons of medical supplies. He also pointed out the significant role of the United States in supporting Israel, despite the criticism of the US for its inability to control Israeli actions.
"The US, as Israel's most loyal ally and supporter, holds the power to halt Israel's aggressive actions and end the violence. The US is funding Israel with the latest technology and weaponry, including nuclear weapons. However, it is concerning that US officials have admitted their inability to control Israeli actions. This is a matter of concern," Ambassador Narsh stated.
He went on to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a war criminal. He cited the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court's findings, which have issued warrants against Netanyahu for war crimes. Despite this, he maintained that Netanyahu is still the most influential figure in the United States, often referred to as the "spoiled child" of the US administration.
