United Nations: Indian peacekeepers deployed with the UN mission in South Sudan have been awarded medals in recognition of their service to the people.
The Indian police officers have been instrumental in protecting displaced civilians, community policing and building local police skills for over a year in the world's youngest country.
"17 Indian peacekeepers have today been awarded @UN medals in recognition of their @UNPeacekeeping service to the people of #SouthSudan as UN Police officers,” the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) tweeted on Tuesday.
In a moment of pride, the 17 Indian men and women police officers were awarded the UN service medals during a special ceremony at the UN House in Juba.
The UNMISS head David Shearer congratulated the Indian police officers for being awarded the medals and lauded the "long tradition" of Indian peacekeeping.
"We are all here in this country to see peace and stability," India's Ambassador to South Sudan S D Moorthy said during the ceremony, according to a video posted by the UNMISS.
India is among the largest troop-contributing countries in the world to UN peacekeeping missions. As of March 2019, India is the second-highest troop contributor to the UNMISS, with 2,337 troops deployed with the mission. In addition, India contributes 22 police personnel to the UNMISS.
Decorated Indian Army officer Lieutenant General Shailesh Sadashiv Tinaikar in July took charge as the Force Commander of the UN mission in war-ravaged South Sudan, leading about 15,000 troops.
(With inputs from PTI)
