India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, highlighting its longstanding call for peace and diplomacy in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region.”

The announcement came after U.S. President Joe Biden said that he had spoken with the Prime Ministers of Israel and Lebanon, both of whom accepted a U.S.-mediated proposal to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

In a post on X, Biden said, “Today, I have good news to report from the Middle East. I have spoken to the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel. And I am pleased to announce: They have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.”

Israel also issued a statement in response. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it, ” the release said.

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the MEA had earlier said that the Indian Embassy in Israel was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with Indian nationals in the region. Necessary travel advisories were issued to ensure their safety.

(With ANI input)