According to the UN, out of all 3,737 peacekeepers who have died since 1948, 163 have been from India, the highest total from any troop-contributing country.
India is currently the third largest contributor of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping, with 6,693 now deployed in Abyei, Cyprus, Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, the Middle East, South Sudan and Western Sahara. However, the UN owes India USD 92 million for troops, formed police units and contingent-owned equipment as at April 30, 2018.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of United Nations peacekeeping, the flagship enterprise of the Organization described by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “a proven investment in global peace, security, and prosperity”.
“We express our gratitude to the more than one million men and women who have served under the UN flag, saving countless lives. We honor the more than 3,700 Blue Helmets who have paid the ultimate price. And we pay tribute to the 14 peacekeeping missions working around the clock to protect people and advance the cause of peace,” Mr. Guterres said in Mali to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Secretary-General after his return from Mali will look at the history and reports of the policemen and soldiers who lost their lives to give the certificates and medals.
