Over 200 Indian Peacekeepers Receive UN Medal in South Sudan

A total of 210 Indian peacekeepers received the United Nations Medal in Juba, South Sudan, on 17 August 2026. The award included six women and seven staff officers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

United Nations Peacekeeping

United Nations peacekeeping began in 1948 with the first UN military observers in the Middle East. UN peacekeeping missions operate under the authority of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly.

India’s Role in UN Missions

India is the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations. More than 4,200 Indian military and police personnel, including 155 women, were deployed globally in 2026.

UNMISS and South Sudan

UNMISS was established in 2011 after the independence of South Sudan. Its mandate includes civilian protection, support for humanitarian assistance, and assistance to the peace process in South Sudan.

Indian Peacekeeping Record

India has contributed more than 200,000 personnel to 49 of the 71 United Nations peacekeeping missions created since 1948. More than 160 Indian peacekeepers have died while serving under the United Nations flag.

Important Facts for Exams

• The United Nations Medal is awarded to personnel serving in UN peacekeeping and related missions.
• UNMISS stands for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
• India has been a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping since the early years of the UN system.
• UNISFA is the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, another UN mission in Africa.

Related UN Medal Ceremony

A separate group of Indian peacekeepers also received UN medals in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on 15 August 2026. UNISFA operates in the Abyei Area, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan.