In a proud recognition of their service, Indian peacekeepers — including 12 women — were recently awarded United Nations Medals for their exemplary role in protecting civilians and safeguarding humanitarian convoys in South Sudan.
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations celebrated the achievement on social media, posting in Hindi on X: “Recognition for the dedicated services of Indian peacekeepers.”
The acknowledgment came after a statement from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which announced: “UNMISS peacekeepers from India working in Bor, Akobo & Pibor have been awarded UN medals for protecting civilians & humanitarian convoys, and for providing medical & veterinary services. A total of 838 Blue Helmets, including 12 women, were honoured.”
Earlier in June, Indian Blue Helmets had organized a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site near Malakal, treating over 315 displaced persons free of cost.
India remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with more than 2,90,000 troops having served in over 50 missions since 1948. Currently, more than 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed across nine active UN missions worldwide.
Known as “Blue Helmets” — a name derived from the light blue colour of the UN flag symbolizing peace — UN peacekeepers continue to play a vital role in maintaining global stability.
