Indian Peacekeepers Honoured by the UN in South Sudan

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A total of 565 Indian peacekeepers working with UNMISS received the prestigious United Nations Medal of Honour.
This group included 53 women officers serving on the ground in South Sudan.

UNMISS is an active international peacekeeping operation run by the United Nations using military personnel, police officers, and civilian experts known as Blue Helmets.
The mission was officially started on July 9, 2011, under UN Security Council Resolution 1996 right after the birth of the Republic of South Sudan.
The main goal is to secure long-term peace, support economic development, and help the national government build strong political, judicial, and security systems.

The core protection mandate requires Blue Helmets to stop violence and keep local populations safe through regular tactical patrols and early-warning systems.
This mission is one of the largest UN peacekeeping operations in the entire world.
India is the second-largest troop contributor globally, ranking right behind Nepal, with over 4,200 uniformed personnel stationed in difficult areas.
The mission also focuses on community work, and the 2026 Indian contingent organized veterinary camps, built humanitarian supply routes, and ran self-defense programs for women.

The United Nations Medal is an international military award given by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to military and police personnel who finish a set period of service in a UN mission.
To qualify for this award, a peacekeeper must complete a mandatory service period of at least 90 days in an active field mission.
The award features a bronze medallion with the UN global map symbol and the letters UN, hanging from a colored fabric ribbon chosen for the specific mission.