The year 2025 marks the 71st year of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Lebanon. India and Lebanon have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. India established diplomatic relations with Lebanon in 1954. Shared commonalities include, besides cultural similarities, a democratic, parliamentary system of government based on a written constitution, basic freedoms and human rights; a market economy moving towards greater liberalization; a large pool of educated English-speaking professionals and entrepreneurs; and a vibrant global diaspora.

The fact that India kept its Embassy in Beirut open and functioning throughout the civil war from 1975 to 1990 in contrast to the Embassies of a large number of other countries, is greatly appreciated by the Lebanese, together with India’s traditionally strong linkages with the Arab world and our steadfast support for the Palestine cause. Both countries have also cooperated closely on various issues of mutual interest during their overlap in 2010 as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Indian Community:

There are around 2000 Indian community members in Lebanon including about 850 Indian nationals working in the new US Chancery Building Project. Rest are employed as workers in companies, construction sector, agricultural farms, etc. They are in North Beirut and Northern Lebanon. The Embassy attaches highest priority to reaching out to the Indian community in an earnest, active, helpful and broad-based manner, and in ensuring their well being and welfare. In light of Covid-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions, the Embassy facilitated three special community charter flights under Vande Bharat Mission for repatriating Indian nationals between June-August 2020. During the 14-month Hezbollah-Israel from October 2023 to November 2024, the Embassy remained in close touch with the Indian diaspora to ensure their safety and security.

Indian Battalion [INDBATT] in UNIFIL:

India’s participation at UNIFIL, with deployment of an Indian Army Battalion of about 900 personnel to perform peacekeeping duties in South Lebanon, has completed 26 years in November 2024. Indian Army personnel (INDBATT) have been deployed in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since November, 1998. The INDBATT contingent currently consists of 900 personnel. With their utmost professionalism, INDBATT personnel are highly regarded for their sincere outreach to the local community and they have been able to win hearts and minds of the local community. Number of projects have been undertaken by the battalion in southern Lebanon.

Upon transfer of authority, Col Ajit Negi of 7 Madras Infantry Battalion passed on the Baton of the Indian Battalion UNIFIL to Col N Gladstone of 4 Grenadiers Infantry Battalion on 4 July 2025.

Visits

From India to Lebanon:

(i) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, during his tenure as Prime Minister of India visited Lebanon in 1956 and 1960.

(ii) Shri Nareshwar Dayal, Secretary (East) visited Lebanon from 15-17 July, 1998 for Foreign Office consultations. He was received by Prime Minister Mr Rafik Al-Hariri and Foreign Minister Mr Fares Bouez.

(iii) Shri MM Pallam Raju, Minister of State for Defence paid a 3-day visit to Lebanon to meet Indian Soldiers deployed at UNIFIL in South Lebanon from 10-12 September 2008.

(iv) Mr. E. Ahamed, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs visited Lebanon from 30 June-2 July 2013.

(v) Mr. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) visited Lebanon from 27-30 March, 2014

(vi) Mr. M.J. Akbar, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, visited Beirut in August, 2016.

(vii) Mr. Amar Sinha, then Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs visited Lebanon in May, 2017

(viii) Mr. T.S. Tirumurthi, Secretary (ER), Ministry of External Affairs visited Lebanon in May 2019 and held wide ranging consultations.

(ix) Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit, JS(WANA), Ministry of External Affair visited Beirut on 13-16 June 2022 for Meeting of UNRWA.

(x) Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV&OIA) and Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit, JS(WANA) visited Lebanon from 01-04 October 2022.

(xi) On March 25, Govt of India delegation led by Shri K. J. Alphons, former MOS for Tourism & MeiTy and comprising of Sh. V Muraleedharan, former MOS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs; Sh. Benny Behanan, Hon’ble MP & Sh. Shone George, Member of Kottayam District Panchayat, alongwith Ambassador Sheikh participated in the Consecration Ceremony of Mor Gregorious Joseph as the Catholicos of Syrian Christians in Beirut. Sh Alphons read out Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi's letter on the solemn occasion. Syriac Orthodox Christian Patriach & Catholicos thanked Hon’ble PM for the message and deputing the GOI delegation.

From Lebanon to India:

(i) Foreign Minister Mr. Fairz Boueiz visited India in 1997 for NAM Conference in New Delhi.

(ii) Agriculture Minister Mr. Akram Chehayeb visited Delhi in February 2015 at the invitation of his counterpart and also inaugurated the Lebanese Pavilion at the Surajkund Mela where Lebanon was the Partner Country. Mr. Akram Chehayeb met Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh in New Delhi on 6 February 2015

(iii) Former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr. Fouad Siniora participated in West Asia Conference organized by IDSA in February 2020 and also had a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

(iv) Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Louis Lahoud visited New Delhi from May 31 to June 4, 2022 to attend meeting of African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO).

(v) Finance Minister of Lebanon H.E. Dr. Youssef El Khalil virtually participated in the 1 st Session and 3rd Session of Finance Ministers of the Voice of Global South Summit (VGOSS) on 13 January 2023 and 17 August 2024 respectively.

(vi) Industry Minister of Lebanon H.E. Mr. George Bouchikian traveled to India to attend World Food India Exhibition from 3-5 November 2023 and met the then Minister of Food Processing Industries.

(vii) Two Senior Officials from the Ministry of Health visited India from 19-21 Aug 2024 to further discuss issues pertaining to recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia and adoption of Janaushadhi Scheme in Lebanon.

MOUs/Agreements

The MOUs/Agreements with Lebanon are as follows:

(i) Air Service Agreement (Signed in 13 March 1958)
 

(ii) Air Service Agreement (Signed in 19 September 1964)
 

(iii) Avoidance of Double Taxation of Income of Enterprises Operating Aircraft (Signed in 22 February 1968)
 

(iv) Cultural Exchange Agreement (signed in 7 April 1997, ratified in February 2000, which is automatically renewed every 5 years).
 

(v) MoU for an Educational Exchange Programme (signed in 30 June 2013, valid for 5 years, to be automatically renewed every 5 years).
 

(vi) MoU on student exchange programme between Delhi University and Lebanese University (Signed on 4th March 2021)
 

(vii)Lebanon signed the International Solar Alliance ISA Framework Agreement on 27 August, 2024.
 

India’s Humanitarian Assistance:

(i) India provided $ 1 million ($500,000 in 2014 to Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and $500,000 in 2016 to Lebanon Response Fund) as part of India’s commitments made at the Pledging Conferences on Syria held in Kuwait in 2014 and 2015.
 

(ii) In the aftermath of tragic explosions of August 4, 2020 at Beirut Port, Government of India provided 58 MT of medical, food and relief supplies to Lebanon on August 14, 2020.
 

(iii) On 22 December, 2020, Government of India made a donation of office equipment to the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 

(iv) Government of India donated 05 motorbikes each to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Beirut Governorate during the visit of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV&OIA) from 1-4 October 2022.
 

(v) Government of India donated a 45KVA generator set to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon in December 2022.
 

(vi) The Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment camp was held from 26 January to 15 February 2023 at the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Beirut during which 322 artificial limbs were provided and fitted to 294 handicapped persons.
 

(vii) India has gifted 33 tons of medicines comprising of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and anesthetics to Lebanon in 24 October 2024. Health Minister of Lebanon Dr. Firas Abiad, received the 1st consignment on 24 October 2024.
 

Quick Impact Projects:

In the past few years the following QIPs have taken place:

ITEC

The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation [ITEC] programme has been popular in Lebanon since its inception in 1964. India offers 75 slots to Lebanon for various training programmes under ITEC. Defence ITEC Slots are also offered to the Lebanese side every year. The Embassy of India, Beirut organised ITEC Days on 20 September 2023 and 12 February 2025 which was attended by Ministers, senior officials and ITEC Alumni.

Economic and Commercial Relations:

Bilateral Trade: In the year 2024, despite the disruptions due to Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Mission continued to interact closely with the business community including organizing business seminars to promote bilateral commercial ties. Furthermore, several Lebanese companies participated in trade fairs in India in 2024-25 and were able to engage in productive meetings that led to various trade opportunities. Lebanon's imports from India stood at US$ 337 million in 2025, as compared to US$ 323 million in 2024. India is the 11th largest import source for Lebanon.

Main exports from India are Chemicals, Pearls, precious stones and metals, machinery, textile articles, plastic, etc., and imports from Lebanon are base metals and articles thereof, miscellaneous manufactured articles, etc. There is considerable potential of expanding trade and investment between the two countries. Mission has undertaken more than 15 Business events during last financial year.

Some Lebanese companies like M/s Khatib and Alamy, Future Pipes and Dar Al Handasah have businesses in India. An Indian company OEG has been operating two power plats in Lebanon in association with its partners. A.N. Boukhather SAL (ANB Holdings) has set up a plant to assemble 2 wheelers, adding local design features to market it in Lebanon. Recently, an investor from Lebanon (Al Nabeel Foods) has shown interest to set up a humus making factory in India. A Lebanese company, Benta Pharma has established its entire production line based on Indian machinery. Recently, Choueiry Group has signed a contract with Hinduja Group for bring Ashok Leyland Trucks to Lebanon.

The Embassy has organised a number of business seminars and meetings and also reached out to all regional trade chambers to continue our engagement. Moreover, tourism seminars were also organised focussing on the States of Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa and Madhya Pradesh. The Embassy is working closely with the Lebenese Ministry of Economy and Trade and Indian Trade Chambers. Mission also facilitated a number of business delegation to participate in the Exhibition in India.

On 25 March 2025, the Embassy organised a Multi-sectoral Business Seminar in Beirut to foster stronger India-Lebanon trade ties; the seminar consisted of a panel discussion moderated by Ambassador Sheikh and attended by MP Ali Osseiran, President of the Lebanese-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Committee; senior officials of various Ministries, prominent businessmen & Indian diaspora.

Culture

The Lebanese people have traditionally admired Indian music, films, cuisine, etc. An increasing number of them are also interested in Yoga – there has been a large and enthusiastic participation in the public events organized by the Mission to celebrate the IDY since 2015. On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga in June 2025, the Embassy organized several Yoga Events in various parts of Lebanon- Cedar Biosphere Chouf (13/06); UNIFIL Headquarters, Naqoura (14/06); Mediterranean Beach, Byblos (17/03); Beirut(20/06); Indian Battalion, Ebel Saqi (21/06) and Ein Al Sadde(21/06). Sports & Youth Minister Dr Nora Bayrakdarian (20/06), MPs, Mayors of respective Municipalities, Ambassadors & other diplomats, UNIFIL officials, Yoga enthusiasts and students participated in these events. About 2000 persons attended in these events. The renowned Lebanese-American author-painter- philosopher Khalil Jibran was a close friend of Nobel laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. A bust of Tagore based on the portrait painting by Khalil Jibran was presented by ICCR in January 2025 for installation at Jibran Museum in Bsharre, North Lebanon. Books on India were also donated to schools and universities and Bharat Corners were set up. The Promotion of Cultural Ties with the Diaspora (PCTD) event held in March 2025 in Beirut had performances by Bollywood playback singer and saw a large participation by Indian diaspora.

Since 2016 to June 2025, ICCR deputed a dance teacher who has trained many Lebanese youth in Indian dances and organized various events and dance workshops. The Dance and Yoga classes were organised 6 days in a week at the Embassy premises. Various cultural activities were organized by the Mission in cooperation with universities and other local partners are extremely popular.

Commemorating the celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Liban Post’, the Department of posts of Lebanon issued a stamp on Mahatma Gandhi which was formally released by the Embassy on 1 October 2019. On this occasion, renowned Lebanese singer Abeer Nehmerendered ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti.

Chandigarh University Giddha Team visited Lebanon and performed in Saida, UNIFIL HQ and Beirut from 14-17 August 2022.

Embassy organised Business Seminar and Iftar on 21 March 2024; it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Abdullah Bou Habib, Industry Minister HE George Bouchikian, Energy Minister HE Walid Fayad & Health Minister HE Dr Firas Abiad. Ambassador Md Noor Rahman Sheikh highlighted various initiatives towards further cementing of ties between India and Lebanon. Several Members of Parliament, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, prominent businessmen and Indian diaspora attended the event. Ministers and Panelists spoke about prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Lebanon including in trade, tourism and connectivity.

Lebanese-Indian Friendship Fora:

The Embassy works closely with several local organizations, most notably Lebanese-Indian Friendship Parliamentary Committee [LIFPC], headed by a senior Parliamentarian H.E. Mr. Ali Osseiran and the Association for Development of Lebanese-Indian Relations [ADLIR], in further strengthening people-to-people contacts and cooperation in diverse sectors.

July 2025