6,915 Indian defence personnel involved in UN peacekeeping

A total of 6,915 Indian military personnel are involved in UN peacekeeping missions, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Friday.

They include 6,909 personnel from the Army, four from the Indian Air Force and two from the Navy, the minister told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

"The composition and criteria for selection of personnel as part of the contingents for UN Missions is guided by the UN guidelines on the subject and mission-specific requirements," he said.

"The criteria for selection of Staff Officers and Military Observers are based on specific requirement of the assignment and demonstrated performance as reflected in the Confidential Reports of the individual officers."

In 2016, India was the second largest troop contributor, with more than 7,700 personnel deployed in 13 active missions. This included more than 800 police personnel.

India has been the largest troop contributor to UN missions.

So far, India has taken part in 49 peacekeeping missions with a total contribution exceeding 180,000 troops and a significant number of police personnel.

--IANS

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