Modern Relations
India and Lebanon have enjoyed a notable relationship that has withstood the test of time, particularly during tumultuous periods such as the Lebanese civil war from 1975 to 1990. India's commitment to maintaining an operational embassy in Beirut throughout this conflict, with only a brief closure from August to October 1989, has left a lasting impression on Lebanon. This steadfast presence, while many other nations chose to close their embassies, demonstrated India’s dedication to its diplomatic ties with Lebanon and was highly regarded by the Lebanese people and government.
Since November 1998, the presence of the Indian Battalion (INDBATT) as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has further solidified India’s role in the region. INDBATT operates across 12 key positions in a designated area of responsibility (AOR) covering 107.6 square kilometers, which is strategically subdivided into four sections. This deployment signifies India's ongoing support for peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, providing vital assistance while ensuring that the Lebanese army and police retain their sovereign responsibilities. The Indian contingent’s involvement in multinational peacekeeping efforts highlights India's commitment to global peace and stability, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
In addition to peacekeeping, both India and Lebanon have collaborated closely on numerous issues during their shared tenure as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2010. This partnership reflects a broader commitment to addressing global challenges, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and cooperation at international forums. The synergy between the two nations during this period underscores their mutual interests and the potential for enhanced collaboration in various sectors, including security, trade, and cultural exchange. As both countries navigate their unique challenges, their historical ties and diplomatic engagements pave the way for a promising future, aimed at fostering stability and growth in both nations.
Trade Relations
The trade relations between India and Lebanon, while historically modest, have been on an upward trajectory, demonstrating significant potential for deeper economic collaboration. Over the years, both nations have expressed a mutual commitment to expand their bilateral trade, recognizing the vast opportunities that can be capitalized on. Specifically, the total volume of trade between India and Lebanon showcased a substantial progression, with figures highlighting encouraging trends in subsequent years.
In the first nine months of 2017, the total trade volume between India and Lebanon was reported at $181 million, and this represented a slight decrease from the previous year, when bilateral trade totals reached $293.10 million. The figures for 2016 reflect a strong performance in Indian exports amounting to $280.09 million, in stark contrast to the mere $13.01 million in imports from Lebanon. Fast forward to the fiscal year 2021-2022, and the trade volume surged to $345.6 million, marking a significant increase and further illustrating the growing economic ties. The trade balance during this period was evidently in favor of India, with exports amounting to $313.14 million compared to imports from Lebanon at $32.46 million. Notably, the export figures signify a remarkable increase of over 64% compared to the previous fiscal year, underscoring the enhanced economic engagement between the two nations.
India's exports to Lebanon are diverse, comprising electric batteries, chemicals, pearls, precious stones and metals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, textile articles, plastic products, and food items. Meanwhile, Indian imports from Lebanon consist largely of base metals and related articles, along with miscellaneous manufactured products. The upward trend in trade can be attributed to the growing demand for Indian goods within the Lebanese market, coupled with the strengthening of infrastructure and supply chains that facilitate smoother exchanges.
When looking at long-term trends, the data over the past 26 years reveals the dynamism in trade relations between the two nations. Lebanese exports to India have witnessed a remarkable annualized growth rate of 18.5%, increasing from a modest $188,000 in 1995 to an impressive $15.5 million in 2021. On the flip side, Indian exports to Lebanon experienced an annualized growth rate of 11.5%, rising from $17.2 million in 1995 to $294 million in 2021. These statistics reflect a robust commitment from both sides to foster economic ties, paving the way for a promising future in India-Lebanon trade relations. As both nations work towards expanding their economic collaboration, the potential for increased trade volume and diversification of products remains significant, suggesting a bright economic horizon ahead.
Indian Community in Lebanon
The Indian community in Lebanon has faced significant challenges, particularly during times of conflict. The 2006 Lebanon War notably impacted this population, leading to a reduction in the number of Indians residing in the country. This period was marked by violence and instability, culminating in the tragic loss of one Indian national who was killed amidst the Israeli attacks on Lebanon. With the safety of its citizens at stake, the Indian government took swift and decisive action.
In response to the growing security crisis, Indian authorities initiated a robust evacuation plan. The operation, later named "Operation Sukoon," involved the coordinated efforts of the Indian military and involved the rescue of not only Indian nationals but also Sri Lankans and Nepalis caught in the conflict. The evacuation process began with Indian naval ships transporting evacuees from Beirut to Larnaca in Cyprus, where they were subsequently flown back to India. This significant military and logistical operation underscored India's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad during tumultuous times.
As of now, approximately 2,000 to 2,500 Indian nationals continue to reside in Lebanon. The majority of these individuals are engaged in essential sectors such as services, construction, and agriculture. The presence of Indian workers in Lebanon contributes significantly to the local economy, and many have established themselves within their respective industries. Their skills and labor play a vital role in the everyday functioning of various sectors in Lebanon, showcasing the ongoing contributions of the Indian diaspora even amidst historical challenges. Additionally, the Indian community has forged stronger ties within Lebanon, fostering cultural exchanges and supporting local initiatives, solidifying their presence in the country.