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Press Release on 26 January 2026
India celebrated the 77th Republic Day today at Embassy of India, Beirut and INDBATT XXVI, Ebel Saqi
India celebrated the 77th Republic Day today at Embassy of India, Beirut and INDBATT XXVI, Ebel Saqi. H.E. Muhammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, Ambassador of India to Lebanon unfurled the Indian Flag, addressed the gathering alongwith reading out the address of Honorable President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu both at the Chancery Premises and INDBATT XXVI, Ebel Saqi, South Lebanon. The event at the Embassy was attended by Lebanese friends of India and members of Indian Diaspora. The event at INDBATT was also well attended by UNIFIL, other Battalions, Lebanese Armed Forces officials and Lebanese friends of India including Mayors of the region.
Ambassador Sheikh conveyed the diplomatic relationship between India and Lebanon, which is on its 72nd year, is on an upward trend and that there has been regular exchange of messages between the Top Leaderships of both countries including Hon’ble President of India Mrs. Droupadi Murmu and President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun;
Last week, 21 January, 2026, Minister of Youth and Sports H.E. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian and Ambassador Sheikh, signed a bilateral cooperation agreement under which India will contribute to the reconstruction of sports facilities in Lebanon, exhibiting solidarity of support between the two countries.
Government of India is committed to providing various assistance to Lebanon including other Quick Impact Projects including renovation of public hospital, setting up of IT labs, solar street lighting, providing motorcycles to Municipal Police, waste management project, supply of water pump, providing artificial limbs to about 500 Lebanese nationals, organizing medical and veterinary camps.
Government of India through Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) courses in various fields has offered 75 slots to Lebanon annually; about 50 nominations have been received and it is expected that all slots will be utilized by March 2026. He urged Lebanese friends to continue to send nominations and avail of these scholarships.
India is a top troop contributor to UNIFIL; INDBATT XXVI currently led by Col N Gladson, has been doing outstanding peacekeeping duties and also maintaining excellent rapport with the local communities by carrying out various training programs, implementing Quick Impact Projects, organizing medical and veterinary camps etc.
India and Lebanon are also exploring opportunities for resuming direct flights between the two countries.
At the Embassy, various patriotic songs were sung by participants and at INDBATT, military parades and cultural performances were displayed, which were praised and witnessed by the audience present.
The events concluded with light refreshments.
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