India closely monitoring volatile situation in Lebanon with 900 Indian peacekeepers stationed there

India is closely watching the developments in southern Lebanon, where nearly 900 Indian soldiers are stationed as part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). UNIFIL has reported incidents involving rockets and artillery fire amidst the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict.

UNIFIL, responsible for monitoring the 110-km 'Blue Line,' which has witnessed fierce confrontations between Israeli and Shiite Islamic Hezbollah forces in the past, confirmed that several rockets were launched from southeast Lebanon towards Israeli-occupied territory in the Kafr Chouba area on Sunday. In response, Israel retaliated with artillery fire aimed at Lebanon.

On Monday, explosions were detected near Al-Boustan in southwest Lebanon, raising concerns among UNIFIL's 10,500 peacekeepers from 48 countries. The organization has urged authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to exercise maximum restraint and prevent further escalation.


An Indian official provided assurance, stating, "There have been no attacks or blasts in the areas where the Indian contingent is deployed." Additionally, approximately 200 Indian soldiers are stationed as part of the UN Disengagement Force (UNDOF) at the Golan Heights, positioned between Israeli and Syrian forces.

Currently, India has a total of 5,934 soldiers engaged in various UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. Over the decades, India has tragically lost 159 soldiers in UN operations, including six in UNIFIL and two in UNDOF. The country continues to actively contribute to international peacekeeping efforts in the face of ongoing regional tensions.