By R Anil Kumar
New York/ Bengaluru, June 3, 2026. Over 550 Indian peacekeepers, including 53 women, have been awarded the United Nations Medal of Honour by UNMISS for their dedication to protecting civilians through patrols, community engagement, veterinary camps, women’s self-defence training, combating gender violence, and improving humanitarian access.
A total of 565 peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), including 53 women, were awarded the prestigious UN Medal of Honour for their exceptional service, community engagement, and dedication to protecting civilians in the conflict-affected region.
There were 53 women among the 565 Indian Blue Helmets, it said. Blue Helmets refers to military personnel, police officers and civilian experts serving under the operational command of the United Nations peacekeeping forces.
The peacekeepers were recognised for their efforts in “protecting civilians through patrols, community engagement, veterinary camps, women’s self-defence training, combating gender violence, and improving humanitarian access”, the UN body said.
UN Mission in South Sudan Force Commander Major-General Junhui Wu said every medal awarded celebrates the “courage and resilience of our brave peacekeepers, who demonstrate the highest standards of discipline, operational effectiveness, and teamwork in a challenging environment”.
Reacting to the honour, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations congratulated the Indian contingent.
“Indian Blue Helmets have consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism in all their spheres of operation,” the mission said in a social media post.
India is the second largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, after Nepal.
It currently contributes more than 4,200 military and police personnel, including 155 women, across missions in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara.
Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty, the highest number among troop-contributing countries.
Last week, on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh, who served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan, who served with UNMISS, were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal for their sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is the highest official honour awarded by the United Nations. It is given posthumously to military, police, and civilian personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in UN peacekeeping operations.
In another recognition for India, Major Abhilasha Barak was named the recipient of the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Ms. Barak was honoured for her outreach work with women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation.
Ms. Barak is serving with the Indian Battalion as Commander of the Female Engagement Team in UNIFIL and is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army.
The peacekeepers were recognised for their efforts in ‘protecting civilians through patrols, community engagement, veterinary camps, women’s self-defence training, combating gender violence and improving humanitarian access’
Recognizing India’s continued legacy in global peace missions, several highly specific honours were awarded:
UN Medal of Honour (South Sudan): Awarded to 565 Indian Blue Helmets in Malakal, South Sudan, for their work in patrols, women’s self-defense training, combating gender violence, and improving humanitarian access.
Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award: Major Abhilasha Barak, the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army serving with UNIFIL, was honoured for her outstanding outreach work with women and girls in Lebanon.
Dag Hammarskjöld Medal: Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh (MONUSCO) and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan (UNMISS) were posthumously awarded the highest official UN honour for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
India’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping: Leadership, Commitment, and Sacrifice
The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and security. Since its inception, UN peacekeeping has become a valuable tool to help countries navigate the challenging path from conflict to peace. India has been a key contributor to global peace and security, with over 2,90,000 peacekeepers serving in more than 50 UN missions. Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in 9 active missions, working in challenging conditions to promote international peace.
The UN Peacekeepers, known as Blue Helmets, get their name from the light blue of the United Nations flag. In 1947, the UN decided on this colour because blue symbolizes peace, while red is often linked to war. This light blue shade has since become a symbol of the UN.
In 2023, India received the UN’s highest peacekeeping honour, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, posthumously awarded to Indian peacekeepers Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi and civilian UN worker Shaber Taher Ali for their sacrifice in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
From 24th-25th February 2025, the Centre of United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) hosted the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’ at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This two-day event brought together women peacekeepers from 35 nations to discuss the evolving role of women in peacekeeping operations and strategies to enhance their participation. The conference underscored India’s commitment to gender equality and its leadership in promoting inclusive and effective peacekeeping operations.
What is UN Peacekeeping
UN Peacekeeping is a key mechanism used by the United Nations to maintain global peace and security. It operates alongside other UN efforts, including conflict prevention, peacemaking, peace enforcement, and peacebuilding.
PeaceKeepingmissions are deployed to support ceasefires and peace agreements. However, modern peacekeeping has evolved into a multidimensional effort that goes beyond military presence. It involves:
Facilitating Political Processes: Supporting negotiations and governance structures.
Protecting Civilians: Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): Assisting former combatants in transitioning to civilian life.
Election Support: Helping organize and oversee free and fair elections.
Human Rights and Rule of Law: Promoting justice, accountability, and governance reforms.
Peacekeeping today often overlaps with peacemaking and peacebuilding, requiring flexibility in addressing conflicts. While primarily deployed to maintain peace, peacekeepers may also take on active roles in conflict resolution and early recovery efforts. In some cases, they are authorized to use force to protect civilians, enforce mandates, and maintain security where the host state is unable to do so.
Over time, peacekeeping evolved to include complex tasks such as nation-building, electoral assistance, and countering violent extremism. Challenges like mission failures in Rwanda and Bosnia prompted reforms, leading to the Brahimi Report (2000), which emphasized robust mandates and better resources. The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine further shaped interventions, while modern missions increasingly focus on civilian protection, gender inclusion, and regional partnerships. Today, UN Peacekeeping continues to adapt, balancing traditional roles with emerging global security threats.
India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
India has a long and distinguished history of serving in UN peacekeeping, dating back to its participation in the UN operation in Korea in the 1953. India’s commitment to non-violence, enshrined in its philosophy and championed by Mahatma Gandhi, aligns with the UN’s approach to promoting global peace. This commitment stems from India’s ancient principle of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” (the whole world is my family), which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
India is dedicated to helping Global South nations strengthen their peacekeeping capabilities. Through the Centre for UN Peacekeeping, India continues to provide training and capacity-building programs, including specialized courses for women peacekeepers, as carried out for ASEAN nations in 2023. Peacekeeping is at the core of India’s foreign policy—driven by dialogue, diplomacy, and global cooperation. This commitment reflects India’s belief in the importance of South-South cooperation and its role as a leader in promoting peace and security in the developing world. Indian peacekeepers have served in diverse and challenging environments, making significant contributions to peace and security in various regions.
India has deployed Staff Officers, Experts on Mission, Military Observers, and Independent Police Officers in key UN peacekeeping missions, including United Nations Operation in Cote d’lvoire (UNOCI), United Nations Association Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), United Nations Peacekeeping Force In Cyprus (FICYP), United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), and United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). These deployments reflect India’s unwavering commitment to global peace and stability.
India has been a leader in strengthening UN, host nations, and partner nations through capacity-building efforts. Committed to supporting UN initiatives, India has provided highly adaptable peacekeeping units, advanced training, logistical support, and technological upgrades while promoting gender parity in peacekeeping forces. Beyond deployments, India actively helps host nations by offering training, infrastructure development, and Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC) programs. Notably, Indian Army Veterinary Detachments have significantly impacted various UN missions, showcasing India’s dedication to humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts worldwide.
To ensure the efficiency and sustainability of Indian contingents in UN missions, the Indian Army has deployed state-of-the-art, indigenously manufactured equipment and vehicles. Built-in India, these advanced systems have proven their resilience in the toughest terrains, harshest climates, and most challenging operational conditions, reinforcing India’s commitment to global peacekeeping.
Women In Peacekeeping
Women play a crucial role in conflict resolution, community engagement, and peacebuilding, often gaining better access to local populations, particularly women and children. Their presence also helps prevent sexual violence, builds trust within communities, and fosters more inclusive and sustainable peace processes.
Why Women Matter
Stronger Peacekeeping: Diverse and inclusive teams lead to more effective peace operations, improving civilian protection and peacebuilding.
Better Access & Trust: Women peacekeepers enhance engagement with local communities, especially women, building trust and expanding outreach.
Diverse Leadership & Decision-Making: Gender-balanced teams bring broader perspectives, strengthening decision-making and ensuring operations reflect the communities they serve.
Role Models for Change: omen peacekeepers inspire future generations, challenging traditional norms and empowering women and girls to advocate for their rights.
Advancing Gender Equality: Upholding equality and non-discrimination is central to UN Peacekeeping, aligning with the core principles of the UN Charter.
While progress has been made, achieving true gender balance requires stronger commitments from countries worldwide. As the UN continues to push for change, increasing women’s presence in peacekeeping is not just about numbers—it’s about creating more effective, inclusive, and lasting peace.
Indian Women in UN Peacekeeping: Breaking Barriers, Building Peace
India has been a strong advocate for women’s participation in UN peacekeeping, recognizing their vital role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. From military and police to civilian roles, Indian women peacekeepers are on the front lines, engaging with local communities, protecting vulnerable groups, and fostering dialogue.
Countries of the Global South are the backbone of UN peacekeeping, with India leading the way as the largest troop-contributing nation. India has a proud history of deploying women in both military and police roles. This legacy began in the 1960s, when Indian women medical officers were sent to the Congo, marking the country’s pioneering role in female peacekeeping.
India has been a trailblazer in integrating women into UN peacekeeping operations, setting benchmarks for others to follow. In 2007, India deployed the first-ever all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia, a move that not only enhanced local security but also empowered Liberian women to participate more actively in their nation’s security sectors. This pioneering initiative increased women’s participation in security sectors over the years.
As of February 2025, India continues this legacy with over 150 women peacekeepers serving across six critical missions, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Western Sahara, and Abyei. These deployments underscore India’s commitment to gender parity and the vital role women play in global peace and security.
Despite their contributions, Indian women peacekeepers face challenges, from deep-rooted gender biases and security risks to logistical barriers. Overcoming these obstacles requires resilience, strong support systems, and policies that ensure their safety and effectiveness. Yet, their impact is undeniable. By breaking stereotypes and empowering women and girls in conflict zones, Indian women peacekeepers build trust, address gender-based violence, and inspire change. Their presence is not just symbolic—it is transformative, shaping a more inclusive and effective approach to global peacekeeping.
Indian women peacekeepers have become exemplars on the international stage, inspiring others through their dedication and professionalism. Their contributions have not only bolstered the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions but have also paved the way for greater inclusion of women in peace processes worldwide.
Training and Capacity Building
India’s Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), established by the Indian Army in New Delhi, serves as the nation’s focal point for UN peacekeeping training. Annually, it trains over 12,000 troops, offering a range of programs from contingent training to specialized national and international courses for prospective peacekeepers and trainers. Additionally, CUNPK dispatches Mobile Training Teams to friendly foreign countries to bolster UN peacekeeping training capacities.
Recognized as a Centre of Excellence, CUNPK has evolved into a repository of experience and best practices over the past two decades. It also plays a pivotal role in international cooperation, hosting foreign delegations to share best practices and conducting joint training initiatives. For instance, in 2016, CUNPK launched the inaugural United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP-01), a three-week program conducted in collaboration with the USA, aimed at enhancing peacekeeping capacities among African nations.
In February 2025, CUNPK hosted the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’ at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This two-day event brought together women peacekeepers from 35 nations to discuss the evolving role of women in peacekeeping operations and strategies to enhance their participation. The conference underscored India’s commitment to gender equality and its leadership in promoting inclusive and effective peacekeeping operations.
Through these initiatives, CUNPK significantly contributes to global peacekeeping efforts by enhancing training and capacity-building, fostering international collaboration, and promoting gender inclusivity in peacekeeping missions.
Conclusion
India’s role in UN peacekeeping reflects its deep commitment to global peace, security, and multilateralism. From its early involvement in the Korean War to its ongoing deployments in conflict zones worldwide, India has consistently upheld the principles of the UN Charter. As one of the largest troop-contributing nations, India’s contributions go beyond numbers—it provides critical services, leadership, and a strong commitment to gender parity in peacekeeping. Rooted in its foreign policy and cultural values, India’s approach to peacekeeping is guided by its belief in non-violence, dialogue, and cooperation. Indian peacekeepers have served with distinction, from the battlefields of Korea to the shores of Liberia, earning global respect for their professionalism, courage, and dedication. However, peacekeeping is not without challenges. Indian troops operate in volatile environments, risking their lives to protect civilians and uphold peace. The sacrifices of nearly 180 fallen Indian peacekeepers stand as a testament to this profound commitment.
Beyond deployments, India actively strengthens UN missions through training, capacity-building, and technological support. As a pioneer in deploying women peacekeepers, India champions a more inclusive and effective approach to conflict resolution. By fostering cooperation and empowering communities, India continues to illuminate the path toward a more peaceful and secure world, inspiring the global community with its unwavering dedication.
