77th Republic Day of India: Growing India & Lebanon Partnership
By: H.E. Mr. Muhammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, Ambassador of India to Lebanon.
Every year on 26 January, India celebrates its Republic Day, marking the moment in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into force and the country formally became a sovereign, secular, democratic Republic. Adopted just over two years after independence in 1947, the Constitution—drafted under the visionary leadership of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar—enshrines the timeless ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. For India, Republic Day is not merely a historical anniversary; it is a living reaffirmation of democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law.
These principles resonate deeply with Lebanon, a country with a long parliamentary tradition, a rich civilizational heritage, and a diverse social fabric built on dialogue and coexistence. Like India, Lebanon exemplifies pluralism as a strength rather than a challenge, and both societies understand the value of inclusion, debate, and constitutional order.
Today, India stands as the world’s largest democracy, representing one-sixth of humanity. It is the fourth-largest economy globally and among the fastest-growing major economies, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital public infrastructure. India is also a leading voice of the Global South and one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, reflecting its strong commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and global peace.
Against this global backdrop, India–Lebanon relations have continued to grow steadily and positively. The two countries are currently in the 72nd year of diplomatic relations, with India having opened its Embassy in Beirut in 1954. India has maintained its diplomatic presence in Lebanon uninterrupted, standing in solidarity with the Lebanese people through all phases of the country’s history. There has been regular exchange of messages between Hon’ble President of India Mrs. Droupadi Murmu and President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun; General Aoun and Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the Council of Ministers H.E. Dr. Nawaf Salam; Speaker of the Parliament H.E. Mr. Om Birla and H.E. Mr. Nabih Berri; External Affairs Minister H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister H.E. Amb. Youssef Raggi with great hope for peace, stability and prosperity for Lebanon. Parliamentary engagement has also been strengthened through the Lebanese–India Parliamentary Friendship Committee chaired by MP Ali Oseirran on the Lebanese side.
A cornerstone of the bilateral relationship is India’s long-standing contribution to peace and stability in Lebanon. India has been a top troop contributor to UNIFIL for the last 28 years, with an Indian Army battalion currently deployed in South Lebanon. Indian peacekeepers are widely respected for their professionalism, discipline, and close engagement with local communities—an embodiment of India’s firm belief in the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
India’s partnership with Lebanon is also deeply people-centred. Through Quick Impact Projects, India continues to support community development initiatives, including renovation of Hospital and Sports facilities, setting up of IT Lab and solar street-lighting project. Very recently on 21st January, 2026 Minister of Youth and Sports H.E. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian and I, on behalf of Government of India, 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.
Cultural ties add a special depth to the relationship. The installation of a bust of Nobel Laurate Rabindranath Tagore based on the portrait painting by his close friend Khalil Gibran at the Gibran Museum Complex in Bsharre in September last year, symbolises the shared intellectual and humanistic traditions that connect India and Lebanon.
Yoga and Ayurveda are very popular in Lebanon and many Lebanese have been travelling to India for deeper knowledge & experience. We are also pursuing to resume direct flights between India and Lebanon to enhance more visits.
On the economic front, bilateral trade stands at around USD 600 million, with significant scope for expansion. India welcomes greater Lebanese exports and deeper engagement in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology, education, healthcare, food processing, and services. With closer business-to-business collaboration, trade can confidently reach USD 1 billion in the coming years.
Capacity building is another strong pillar of cooperation. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, India offers 75 fully funded training slots annually to Lebanese professionals from both the public and private sectors—an investment in skills, knowledge, and long-term partnership.
The Indian community in Lebanon, numbering around 2,000, continues to play a vital role in strengthening the bonds between our two countries. Every member of this vibrant diaspora acts as a brand ambassador for India, showcasing our culture, values, and enterprise across Lebanon. The Indian Embassy remains closely connected with the community, supporting them and facilitating their contributions to Lebanese society and to the deepening of India–Lebanon ties.
As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, it draws inspiration from the timeless philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family.” This value finds a natural echo in Lebanon’s tradition of hospitality, openness, and cultural exchange. Guided by constitutional values and strengthened by an enduring partnership with Lebanon, India looks to the future with confidence—committed to deeper cooperation, strong multilateralism, and a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous world.
Jai Hind!
