NEW DELHI: On the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, praised India’s significant contributions to global peace and security. She highlighted the unwavering bravery of Indian peacekeepers and paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Kamboj acknowledged the “ultimate sacrifice under the blue flag” made by countless Indian peacekeepers who laid down their lives in the pursuit of peace. She expressed pride in the recognition of Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper awarded the UN Gender Military Advocate Award for her exceptional service and leadership in Congo.
“Countless Indian peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice under the blue flag, laying down their lives in the pursuit of peace. Their deep commitment to bringing solace to those devastated by conflict stands as a pillar of hope and humanity,” Kamboj stated in a video message. She added, “This year, we are particularly honoured to receive the UN Gender Military Advocate Award… a powerful testament to India’s steadfast dedication to gender equality and the invaluable role of women in peacekeeping.”
Beyond operational deployments, Kamboj highlighted India’s contributions to peacekeeping through think tanks, which leverage extensive experience to contribute to the latest ideation and strategic thinking in the field. These efforts ensure innovative and effective approaches to peacekeeping.
She also emphasized the importance of pre-deployment training provided at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi. This training prepares both Indian peacekeepers and their international counterparts to face challenges with resilience and empathy.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a tribute to the service, sacrifice, and resilience of peacekeepers and the communities they serve. It honors the more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives over the past 70 years in the pursuit of peace. This year’s theme, “Fit for the future, building better together,” underscores the vital contributions of civilian, military, and law enforcement peacekeepers.
India’s long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping missions underscores its role as a significant contributor to global stability and humanitarian efforts, making a lasting impact on peace and security worldwide.
