India's role in UN peace-keeping operations is important: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India's most important contribution under the United Nations umbrella was its role in the peace-keeping operations.

"India has been actively cooperating in various important initiatives taken by the United Nations. India's most important contribution under its umbrella is its role in the UN peace-keeping operations. Our role is not confined to peace-keeping operations. India also trains the peace-keepers of 85 countries," Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing the 37th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The prime minister also said that Indian women soldiers have contributed significantly to the peace-keeping missions and that India was the first nation to send women to peace-keeping missions.

He also congratulated every soldier, who guards the country's borders with utmost dedication and sacrifice.

"On behalf of all countrymen, I salute every soldier, who guards the country's borders with utmost dedication and sacrifice. The jawans of our security forces are a part of the UN peace-keeping force, who plays a vital role in establishing peace world over. By becoming the UN peace-keepers, our soldiers are fostering peace in the world," he said.

The prime minister also claimed that India has always given the world the message of peace, unity and brotherhood.

"Currently, 7,000 soldiers Indian troops are deployed with the UN peace-keeping initiatives; it's third highest in the world. More than 18,000 soldiers have contributed to the UN peace-keeping missions. India has always given the world the message of peace, unity and brotherhood. Till August 2017, Indian soldiers have lent their services in about 50 of the total of 71 UN peace-keeping operations around the world," he claimed.

"The Preamble of Indian Constitution and that of the UN charter both begin with 'We the People'. The UN declaration of Human Rights is a living testimony of India's push for gender equality," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also remembered the great sacrifice of former UN peace-keepers from India like Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, Lieutenant Prem Chand and General Kodendera Subayya Thimayya.

Meanwhile, the prime minister also paid homage to sister Nivedita on her 150th birth anniversary and for her remarkable contribution to peace processes and exemplary life.

"Our holy land has given great souls who selflessly served humanity; sister Nivedita was one such extraordinary person. She brought people together by infusing a sense of national-awakening. She spread the message of importance of cleanliness and service to mankind," he said.