New Delhi: Govt has welcomed the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire saying that any step that moves in the direction of peace is welcomed by India. Govt sources also confirmed that India had been invited for a France and UKchaired meeting of around 40 countries to discuss a post-war mission, which excludes the US, to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and that India participated as an observer. “India has been invited to participate in this meeting, and I believe it is going to begin in a few hours. As for the level at which India will participate, we will inform you. We will also share details of the kind of discussions that take place there,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, ahead of the meeting. While there was no official confirmation, it is learned that foreign secretary Vikram Misri attended the meeting. Misri had represented India at another meeting chaired by the UK earlier this month for safe merchant shipping through the Hormuz strait. India had earlier also welcomed the two-week USIran ceasefire, expressing hope it would lead to lasting peace and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait. Both France and UK have been working to cobble together a coalition of mostly European countries for a “defensive” mission that would work to ensure safe passage for ships through the vital energy waterway. The meeting coincided with Iran’s announcement that the Strait had been opened for now.
