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India Demands Justice for UN Peacekeepers After Deadly Lebanon Attacks

India has strongly condemned recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that resulted in the deaths of several peacekeepers. As a leading and longstanding contributor to UN peacekeeping, India emphasized that the safety and security of peacekeepers must be ensured. The country is seeking accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, in line with a UN Security Council resolution it previously piloted. The attacks, which killed three Indonesian peacekeepers, have also been condemned by UN leadership.

Key Points: India Seeks Accountability for Attacks on UN Peacekeepers

  • India condemns attacks on UNIFIL
  • Calls for inviolability of UN missions
  • Seeks accountability for crimes against peacekeepers
  • Highlights India as top troop contributor
  • Three Indonesian peacekeepers killed recently
3 min read

India calls for protection of UN missions, seeks accountability for attacks on UNIFIL

India condemns attacks on UNIFIL, calls for protection of missions and accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, highlighting its major troop contributions.

"We seek accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, April 2

India on Thursday reiterated that the inviolability of UN missions must be ensured while calling for ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers.

Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that as a leading and longstanding contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping, and in line with UN Security Council Resolution, India seeks accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

He also highlighted India's condemnation of the recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has claimed several lives.

"We have around 600 Indian troops who are serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Our peacekeeping operations go back several decades. We are also the largest troop-contributing country to the UN peacekeeping missions, and the contribution of our peacekeepers has been well noted and regarded for global peace and security. We had also issued a statement, condemning the recent attacks on UNIFIL in which several troops, unfortunately, lost their lives," said Jaiswal.

"We also pay homage to these brave blue helmet soldiers. Once again, we would like to emphasise that the inviolability of UN missions must be ensured, and the safety and security of our peacekeepers must be ensured. As one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to peacekeeping, and also in consonance with UN Security Council Resolution 2589, we seek accountability for crimes against peacekeepers," he added.

India on Monday condemned the killing of peacekeepers in Lebanon and urged to ensure accountability for the crime.

"We condemn the recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL and pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmets."

Three peacekeepers from Indonesia with UNIFIL were killed on Sunday within 24 hours, according to Under-Secretary for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix who said the incidents were unacceptable and stressed that peacekeepers must never be a target.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the killing, according to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

UNIFIL operates in an area of Lebanon bordering Israel, where Hezbollah and Israel are active. Its mission is to help the Lebanese government regain control of the area from Hezbollah and also acts as a tenuous buffer with Israel.

The Indian mission's statement noted that the country had piloted the Security Council resolution in 2021, when it was an elected member, calling for accountability for those who attack peacekeepers.

It added that India will continue to pursue action against the perpetrators.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a very important stance. As the largest troop contributor, India's voice carries weight. Attacks on UN personnel are attacks on the very idea of international order. Full support for seeking accountability.
R
Rohit P
Our jawans are risking their lives far from home for world peace. Salute to their bravery! 🫡 But I hope the MEA is also working behind the scenes to ensure they have the best possible protective equipment and intelligence.
P
Priyanka N
Respectfully, while the statement is strong, actions matter more. India piloted the resolution in 2021. What concrete outcomes have been achieved since then? We need to see perpetrators actually brought to justice, not just statements.
V
Vikram M
The area near the Israel-Lebanon border is a tinderbox. Sending our troops there is a huge responsibility. The government must continuously review the security situation. Jai Hind to our brave hearts.
K
Kavya N
Heartbreaking to hear about the Indonesian peacekeepers. It could have been anyone. This shows the shared risk all blue helmets take. India's longstanding contribution is something every citizen should know about and be proud of.

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