India and Lebanon have held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, marking a significant step in advancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a range of sectors.

The discussions were co-chaired by Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, and Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa, Secretary-General of Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. The meeting reviewed the full spectrum of India-Lebanon relations and examined opportunities to strengthen engagement across political, security, economic and socio-cultural areas.

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, "The first India-Lebanon Foreign Office Consultations was held at New Delhi today, co-chaired by Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ambassador @ranganathan_sr and Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Lebanon. The meeting reviewed the entire gamut of India-Lebanon bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen it across political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars."

Both countries identified trade and investment, digital public infrastructure and the pharmaceutical sector as key areas for future collaboration. The talks reflected a shared interest in broadening economic engagement and leveraging India's growing expertise in digital governance and healthcare industries.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern. Lebanon continues to face significant political and economic challenges, while regional security issues remain a major focus for policymakers across the Middle East, giving added importance to diplomatic consultations with international partners such as India.

The consultations followed Ambassador Ranganathan's official tour of Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from 16 to 21 August. During her visit to Beirut on 21 August, she held a series of high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation.

In Lebanon, Ambassador Ranganathan met Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa, with both sides reviewing the entire India-Lebanon partnership and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also discussed the evolving situation in the region.

She also called on Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their discussions focused on strengthening India-Lebanon relations by building on the existing foundation of bilateral cooperation, while also exchanging perspectives on regional and international developments of shared interest.

The inaugural consultations underscore the growing commitment of both countries to institutionalise diplomatic engagement and expand cooperation in strategic sectors, particularly at a time when India is increasing its outreach across the Middle East through economic partnerships, digital initiatives and people-to-people links.

ANI