India and Lebanon Hold First Foreign Office Consultations, Identify Key Areas for Cooperation
New Delhi: India and Lebanon have held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, identifying trade, investment, digital public infrastructure and pharmaceuticals as priority areas for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting took place on November 9 and was co-chaired by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs responsible for Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs, and Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa, Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation across political and security, economic and socio-cultural sectors.
Trade and investment were among the key subjects discussed during the consultations. The two delegations also identified digital public infrastructure and pharmaceuticals as areas offering scope for stronger engagement.
The discussions included an exchange of views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. The consultations provided an opportunity for both countries to review existing cooperation and consider new areas of partnership.
India and Lebanon have maintained diplomatic relations and engaged in discussions on strengthening bilateral ties through official visits and diplomatic contacts. Earlier in August, Ranganathan had met Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and discussed ways to build on the existing relationship.
She also held discussions with senior Lebanese officials, including Issa and National Assembly President Nabih Berri, on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
The first Foreign Office Consultations mark a new institutional step in India-Lebanon engagement. The identification of specific areas such as trade, investment, digital infrastructure and pharmaceuticals is expected to provide direction for further discussions between the two sides.
Both countries are expected to continue diplomatic engagement on bilateral and regional matters.
