Indian envoy to Lebanon Noor Rahman Sheikh on Friday handed over the first tranche of humanitarian assistance sent by New Delhi amid the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Lebanon’s Health Minister Dr Firas Abiad received the consignment of medicines.

Indian Embassy in Lebanon posted on X: "First tranche of India’s humanitarian assistance arrives in Beirut. Lebanon’s Health Minister HE Dr Firas Abiad received the consignment of medicines in the presence of Amb@NoorRahman_IFS . India stands committed to strengthening close ties with Lebanon."

India sent 11 tons of medical supplies to Lebanon on October 18  as part of a humanitarian effort to support the nation.

India sent 33 tons of medical supplies to the country in total.

India and Lebanon have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. India established diplomatic relations with Lebanon in 1954.

"Shared commonalities include, besides cultural similarities, a democratic, parliamentary system of government based on a written constitution, basic freedoms and human rights; a market economy moving towards greater liberalization; a large pool of educated English-speaking professionals and entrepreneurs; and a vibrant global diaspora," read the website of the Indian Embassy to Lebanon.

There are nearly 4000 Indian nationals in Lebanon, with a majority of them employed as workers in companies, construction sector, agricultural farms.