UN applauds "steadfast" partner India for "invaluable" contribution to peacekeeping

The United Nations has lauded India's "invaluable" contribution to its peacekeeping missions, commending the Indian uniformed men and women for their inspirational service to the cause of peace.

"UN peacekeeping operates in increasingly complex environments and we are grateful for steadfast partners like India, who have risen to new challenges and continue to participate meaningfully in our efforts to protect vulnerable civilians," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said.

The UN's Department of Public Information (DPI) is carrying out a major communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping Service and Sacrifice' during the 70th anniversary year of UN Peacekeeping.

The campaign is aimed at expressing the world body's gratitude to UN peacekeepers as well as to the countries who are sending their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions.

The campaign, which is carried out on a country-by-country basis, this week recognises India, the largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping and which has also suffered the most fatalities. The campaign includes posts on social media about India's role in peacekeeping, You Tube videos and a photo essay.

"From protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants and helping countries transition from conflict to peace, Indian men and women in uniform have served the cause of peace from the earliest years of United Nations peacekeeping and continue to do so in some of the most challenging missions," according to a special feature 'India and the UN: Celebrating 70 years of invaluable service to the cause of peace'.

The feature quoted Lacroix, as saying in a recent interview with UN News, that India's continued commitment to UN peace operations and to "global peace and security even through these difficult periods is invaluable."
Colonel Gaurav Bhatra, who commands the 850-strong Indian battalion in South Sudan, considers such efforts "a normal part of Indian culture."