Peacekeeping – India Reaffirms Support for UN Missions While Honouring Fallen Personnel
Peacekeeping – India reaffirmed its long-standing support for United Nations peacekeeping operations during a commemorative event held in New York to honour personnel who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. The ceremony, organised jointly by the Permanent Missions of India and Austria to the United Nations, paid tribute to thousands of military, police and civilian peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflict-affected regions around the world.
Speaking at the gathering, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted the continuing role of UN peacekeepers in maintaining stability in areas facing violence and humanitarian challenges. He said the Blue Helmets remain one of the most visible symbols of the United Nations in crisis zones and acknowledged their dedication in difficult and often dangerous environments.
Tribute to Those Who Served
The event recognised the contribution of more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives while carrying out UN mandates. In a message shared by India’s mission to the United Nations, the sacrifices of both uniformed personnel and civilian staff were remembered as part of the global effort to promote peace and security.
India has been closely associated with UN peacekeeping for decades. Since 1948, nearly 300,000 Indian troops have participated in more than 50 peacekeeping missions across different regions. According to official figures, around 184 Indian peacekeepers have died while serving in these operations.
Significance of the International Day
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed every year on May 29. The date marks the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in the Middle East in 1948, which became the first UN peacekeeping mission.
The United Nations headquarters in New York is scheduled to hold its official observance on June 5. During the ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will lay a wreath in memory of peacekeepers who died while serving the organisation. He will also present the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously to 68 military, police and civilian personnel, including 59 individuals who lost their lives during the previous year.
Indian Personnel to Receive Posthumous Recognition
Among those being honoured are Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh, who served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan, who was deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Both soldiers will receive recognition for their service and sacrifice.
Award for Military Gender Advocacy
Another highlight of this year’s observance is the recognition of Major Abhilasha Barak of India. Serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, she has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
The UN acknowledged her work in engaging with local women and girls during her deployment. Major Barak currently leads the Female Engagement Team attached to the Indian Battalion and is also known as the Indian Army’s first woman combat helicopter pilot.
Her selection continues India’s strong record in the category. She will become the third Indian officer to receive the honour, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, who were recognised for their contributions in previous years.
India’s Continuing Contribution
India remains one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. At present, the country has more than 4,200 military and police personnel deployed across missions in Africa, the Middle East and other regions. These deployments include 155 women serving in various capacities.
With over 180 personnel having lost their lives while participating in UN operations, India continues to hold the highest number of peacekeeping fatalities among troop-contributing nations, reflecting its extensive and enduring involvement in international peace efforts.