India has once again urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately due to escalating tensions, as Israel prepares for a possible invasion of the country. The advisory from the Indian embassy in Beirut comes amidst growing concerns about safety and security in the region.
Advisory Details
On Wednesday, the Indian embassy in Beirut issued an updated advisory strongly advising Indian nationals not to travel to Lebanon due to recent developments. For those already in the country, the advisory emphasized the need to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. The embassy also urged those who cannot leave to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and maintain contact with the embassy through email at cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128.
This advisory follows a series of intensified Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon that have resulted in over 620 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi has stated that these airstrikes aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and that preparations for a potential ground offensive are underway.
Indian Nationals in Lebanon
According to the Indian embassy’s website, approximately 4,000 Indian nationals currently reside in Lebanon, primarily employed in the construction, agriculture, and other sectors. The embassy’s advisory underlines the heightened risk to these individuals as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates.
Additionally, Indian Army personnel have been stationed in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since November 1998. The situation’s volatility underscores the urgency of the updated travel and safety guidance.
The renewed advisory from India’s embassy comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah’s positions, with both sides exchanging missile fire in recent weeks. The conflict has intensified since October 7 of last year, and recent escalations have made the situation increasingly perilous for civilians and foreign nationals.
In August, the Indian embassy initially advised its citizens to leave Lebanon following heightened tensions due to the killing of leaders from militant groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. With the potential for further escalation, the latest advisory aims to protect Indian nationals from becoming caught in the crossfire.