A total of 565 Indian peacekeepers, including 53 women personnel, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have been awarded the prestigious United Nations Medal of Honour in recognition of their dedication, professionalism and contributions to peacekeeping operations in the conflict-affected African nation.
The medals were presented to members of the Indian contingent serving under UNMISS for their exceptional efforts in protecting civilians, supporting peacebuilding initiatives and assisting local communities across South Sudan.
According to the United Nations, the Indian peacekeepers have played a vital role in maintaining security and stability through a wide range of activities, including patrols, community engagement programmes, veterinary camps, women’s self-defence training, efforts to combat gender-based violence and facilitating humanitarian access in vulnerable regions.
The honoured personnel form part of the UN’s Blue Helmets, a term used for military personnel, police officers and civilian experts serving under United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide.
Congratulating the contingent, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations praised the professionalism and commitment displayed by Indian peacekeepers.
In a statement, the mission noted that Indian Blue Helmets have consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism across all areas of operation, continuing India’s long-standing legacy of service in UN peacekeeping missions.
India remains one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and is currently the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel, after Nepal. The country presently deploys more than 4,200 military and police personnel, including 155 women, across multiple UN missions in regions such as Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara.
India’s commitment to global peacekeeping has come at a significant cost, with nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers having laid down their lives while serving under the United Nations flag—the highest number among all troop-contributing countries.
The award ceremony highlights the continued contribution of Indian Armed Forces personnel to international peace, stability and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing India’s reputation as a reliable and dedicated partner in global peacekeeping efforts.
