Beirut: India celebrated the 77th Republic Day today at the Embassy of India in Beirut and the INDBATT XXVI in Ebel Saqi. H.E. Muhammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, Ambassador of India to Lebanon, unfurled the Indian Flag and addressed the gathering, reading the address of Honorable President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at both the Chancery Premises and INDBATT XXVI, South Lebanon. The event at the Embassy was attended by Lebanese friends of India and members of the Indian Diaspora. At INDBATT, the celebrations were attended by UNIFIL, other Battalions, Lebanese Armed Forces officials, and local dignitaries, including regional Mayors.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Ambassador Sheikh conveyed that the diplomatic relationship between India and Lebanon, now in its 72nd year, is progressing positively, with regular exchanges of messages between the top leaderships of both countries. Last week, on January 21, 2026, Minister of Youth and Sports H.E. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian and Ambassador Sheikh signed a bilateral cooperation agreement. This agreement includes India's contribution to the reconstruction of sports facilities in Lebanon, showcasing the solidarity between the two nations.
The Government of India has committed to providing assistance to Lebanon through various Quick Impact Projects. These include the renovation of a public hospital, setting up IT labs, solar street lighting, providing motorcycles to Municipal Police, a waste management project, supplying water pumps, providing artificial limbs to about 500 Lebanese nationals, and organizing medical and veterinary camps.
Through the Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India has offered 75 slots annually to Lebanon for courses in various fields. About 50 nominations have been received, and it is expected that all slots will be utilized by March 2026. Ambassador Sheikh urged Lebanese friends to continue submitting nominations for these scholarships.
India is a leading troop contributor to UNIFIL, with INDBATT XXVI, currently led by Col N Gladson, performing outstanding peacekeeping duties and maintaining excellent rapport with local communities through training programs and Quick Impact Projects.
India and Lebanon are also exploring resuming direct flights between the two countries. At the Embassy, participants sang various patriotic songs, and at INDBATT, military parades and cultural performances were displayed, earning praise from the audience.