UN Chief salutes Indian peacekeepers, thanks India for strong, sustained support to peacekeeping

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres paid rich tributes to the 163 Indian peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and thanked India for its "strong and sustained" support to peacekeeping.

"I thank the Government of India for their strong and sustained support to UN peacekeeping. You have indeed given a very strong contribution to global solidarity and to international peace and security," Guterres said while addressing a tea reception hosted by India at the world body's headquarters on the occasion of the International Day of Peacekeeping on June 1.

Gueterres also referred to the 125-strong women peacekeepers of the Indian Formed Police Unit deployed with the UN mission in Liberia, the first ever such contingent, and said, "They are an inspiration to all".

The UN leader said India had always been one of the largest troop contributing country to peacekeeping operations. And, stressed upon the need to recognise the enormous importance of women soldiers and women police for making a difference in local communities.

"This is a pioneer initiative from India that needs to be underlined," he said.

At present, about 7,700 Indian peacekeepers are deployed around the world, a majority in South Sudan and Congo.

In keeping with the tradition of honouring soldiers, Guterres paid tributes to the 163 peacekeepers from India who sacrificed their lives serving in various peacekeeping missions.  He noted that India has lost the highest number of peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping's 70 year history.

Of the 3,737 peacekeepers who have died since 1948, 163 were from India, which is the highest total from any troop contributing country.

"The total 163 Indian peacekeepers, the highest number of all troop contributing countries, have given their lives for peace. We recognize their service and sacrifice as well as the service and sacrifice of all those from all countries that have fallen in the line of duty," he said. 

Troop contributing countries have made enormous sacrifices and have troops in the "most dangerous locations in the world to protect the lives of citizens of other countries," Guterres said.

(With inputs from agencies)