India despatches 25 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon

New Delhi, Aug 19 (UNI) An Indian Air Force IL-76 cargo aircraft carrying 25 tonnes of humanitarian aid left here early today for Lebanon.

The relief effort, consisting of 225 tents (single ply), 50 tents (double ply) and 3,200 blankets, is a friendly gesture of India towards the people of Lebanon, where several innocent civilians, including women and children, have become victims of the recent clashes, an offical statement said.

The same aircraft will also evacuate Indian nationals from Lebanon during its return journey back home on Monday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made an announcement in Parliament on July 27 that India would provide Rs 10 crore towards humanitarian and relief efforts in Lebanon.

The Ministry of Defence was tasked with the procurement and dispatch of the relief material by the Government.

Depending on the requirements, India may also send another consignment of relief material, the statement said.

UNI YJ VD ND1658