India–Lebanon relations
India–Lebanon relations are warm and cordial. Lebanon maintains an embassy in New Delhi, whilst India maintains one in Beirut.
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Relations
India and Lebanon enjoy cordial and friendly relations based on many similarities such as political system based on parliamentary democracy, non-alignment, human rights, commitment to a just world order, regional and global peace, liberal market economy and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. In the light of these similarities, there is good potential for strengthening ongoing bilateral ties.
India established diplomatic relations with Lebanon in 1954 and maintained its diplomatic representation in Beirut throughout the civil war except for a brief closure of about two months from August 5 to October 16, 1989 following the escalation of fighting in Beirut, as contrary to a large number of other foreign Embassies in Beirut which closed down during the period of the civil war (1975-1990). During this period, there was limited bilateral interaction between the two countries. Indo-Lebanese trade, which had come to a virtual halt during the civil war, has increased in recent years. The total trade between Lebanon and India was to the tune of US$13.60 million in 1993. During the seven-year period from 1993 to 1999, trade grew at a slow pace and could only reach US$55 million in 1999.
However, after 2000 there has been a marked difference, especially with increased awareness and recognition in Lebanon of India’s economic, technological, political and strategic influence, its large manufacturing base, its strength in services, and its ability to remain relatively unscathed in the face of regional and international financial crises. Total volume of trade between India and Lebanon during Jan-Sept 2017 was $ 181 million. Bilateral trade in 2016 reached $ 293.10 million, with Indian exports to Lebanon at $ 280.09 million, and Indian imports at $13.01 million.
Indian community in Lebanon
The Indian community is currently not recognised in Lebanon following the Israel-Hezbollah War
In 2006, the Indian population in Lebanon declined due to the Israel-Hezbollah War. The evacuees were first brought by Indian naval ships from the Lebanese capital of Beirut to Larnaca in Cyprus and then flown to India, under an Indian military-coordinated exercise dubbed as "Operation Sukoon."[1]
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