New Delhi: Amid outrage over the latest Israeli attacks on Lebanon, India on Friday expressed deep concern over the large number of civilian casualties in air strikes following the two-week US-Iran ceasefire announced on Wednesday. According to reports from the area, more than 300 people were killed in the attacks. As a troop-contributing country to the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is invested in the peace and security of Lebanon, the turn of events is deeply troubling, the Foreign Ministry said in response to media queries. The ministry did not take the name of Israel. The ceasefire has come under strain due to confusion over whether the agreement includes Lebanon. While Israel says this is not the case, Iran has called the attacks a flagrant violation of the agreement. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India has always given importance to the security of civilians as the highest priority. It is essential to follow international law and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.” He said the Indian Embassy in Lebanon is in close touch with the Indian community for their safety. India welcomed the temporary ceasefire and expressed hope that it would facilitate freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and bring lasting peace in the region. Pakistan seemed ready to host talks between the US and Iran on Saturday to secure a ceasefire, which remains fragile at the moment. While visiting Pakistan, US Vice President JD Vance said he was looking forward to talks which he felt would be positive. However, he warned Tehran not to “play” the US. Vance said, “As the US President said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand. If they try to play along with us, they will find that the negotiating team is not as receptive.” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is ready to start talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and establish peaceful relations.