Permanent Mission of India to UN commemorates nearly 4,000 peacekeepers who made supreme sacrifice
New York, May 30
The Permanent Mission of India and Austria on Saturday marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers by co-hosting a commemoration honouring nearly 4,000 peacekeepers, including 184 Indians, who made the supreme sacrifice under the United Nations flag.
45 uniformed peacekeepers lost their lives in this noble cause over the past year.
In a post on X, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish said, "Today, on International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the Permanent Mission of India & Austria proudly co-host a solemn commemoration at the Permanent Mission of India, New York. We honor the nearly 4,000 brave peacekeepers including 184 Indians who made the ultimate sacrifice under the UN flag. Specifically remember the 45 uniformed peacekeepers who lost their lives in this noble cause over the past year. Their courage & dedication to peace will never be forgotten. Lest we forget."
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said, "India, as proud partner since 1948, has deployed nearly 300,000 troops in over 50 UN Peacekeeping Missions. 184 Indian peacekeepers made the supreme sacrifice in defence of international peace and security."
The United Nations in India also marked the occasion by honouring Major Abhilasha Barak, recipient of the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award. She serves with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
Major Barak serves in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, in a post on X, said, "Major Abhilasha Barak of India has been named the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year in recognition of her outstanding leadership in promoting gender-responsive peacekeeping. Major Barak serves in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and is the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. As a frontline commander, she has led extensive outreach efforts, engaging over 5000 women and girls through vocational training, education and health programmes that support empowerment and postconflict recovery. On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we honour her service."
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to see 45 peacekeepers lost in just one year. But India's contribution of 300,000 troops since 1948 shows our commitment to global peace. We must never forget their sacrifice. ❤️
Salute to these bravehearts! India has always been a responsible global citizen. But I hope the UN improves safety measures for peacekeepers—45 deaths in a year is too high. Let's honor them by making missions safer. ✊
As someone from the US, I've always admired India's significant contributions to UN peacekeeping. Nearly 300,000 troops deployed is remarkable. Major Barak's story is truly inspiring—breaking barriers in the military and promoting gender equality. Well done!
It's great that India and Austria co-hosted this commemoration. But we need more recognition for the families of our fallen soldiers—their sacrifice often goes unnoticed. Hope their families get the support they deserve. 🙏
Major Abhilasha Barak is a hero! Engaging with 5,000 women and girls in conflict zones shows true leadership. India should be proud of rising stars like her. The world needs more such peacekeepers. 💫
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