Why in News?
210 Indian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have received the UN Medal for their service in the mission. The medals were presented in Juba, South Sudan.
Key Points
- 210 Indian peacekeepers received the UN Medal, including 6 women and 7 Staff Officers.
- The peacekeepers were recognised for their work during crises, medical emergencies and rescue operations.
- India is the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping missions.
- India was the largest troop contributor to UNMISS as of April 2026, with 1,775 military personnel deployed in South Sudan.
- Indian peacekeepers are also deployed in UN missions in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Somalia and Western Sahara.
- The recognition highlights the role of Indian personnel in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
