India welcomes Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal, says 'always called for de-escalation'

The External Affairs Ministry on Nov 27 welcomed the US and France-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, saying India has always called for “de-escalation and restraint.”

The MEA in its statement said India has always called for de-escalation in the region and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

"We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region," said a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Both parties reached a ceasefire following months of deadly clashes that originated from the Israel-Gaza conflict. The hostilities further escalated in September this year, after Israel carried out targeted attacks killing several Hezbollah leaders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to outgoing US President Joe Biden for his “involvement in securing the ceasefire agreement.”

In a joint statement with France, the US said as per the agreement, fighting in Lebanon would cease and “secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations.”

"Today, I have good news to report from the Middle East. I have spoken to the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to announce: They have accepted the United States' proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah", US President Joe Biden on X (formerly Twitter).

Netanyahu appreciated Biden's "understanding that Israel will maintain its freedom of action in enforcing it", according to the Israeli PM's office.

Ahead of Israel's approval of the deal, Netanyahu said the "length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon" and the truce would allow Israel to "intensify" pressure on Hamas and focus on the “Iranian threat.”

On Nov 23, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Nov 23 said, “20,000-30,000 people of Indian origin live in Israel. Our embassy there is in constant touch with them.”

"We have issued necessary travel advisories and other advisories to ensure their safety," he said at the weekly press briefing. The MEA had also reiterated its call to return to dialogue and diplomacy.