India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, celebrated the nation’s significant contributions to global peace and security on International Day of UN Peacekeepers. In a heartfelt video message, Kamboj commended the bravery and dedication of Indian peacekeepers, who have consistently shown unwavering courage in protecting vulnerable communities worldwide.

“Today, on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we honor India’s exceptional contributions to global peace and security. Our brave peacekeepers have demonstrated unwavering courage, steadfast dedication, and an unyielding commitment to protecting vulnerable communities around the world,” Kamboj stated in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Kamboj paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives under the UN’s blue flag, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. She expressed pride in the recognition of Indian peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen, who received the UN Gender Military Advocate Award for her exemplary service in Congo and leadership during her deployment with the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, from March 2023 to April 2024.

“Countless Indian peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives in the pursuit of peace. Their deep commitment to bringing solace to those devastated by conflict stands as a pillar of hope and humanity. This year, we are particularly honored to receive the UN Gender Military Advocate Award, a testament to India’s dedication to gender equality and the invaluable role of women in peacekeeping,” Kamboj added.

She celebrated Major Sen’s achievements, saying, “We proudly celebrate Major Radhika Sen, whose exemplary service and leadership have earned her this distinguished award. Congratulations, Radhika. India’s contributions extend far beyond operational deployments. Our think tanks, enriched with a wealth of experience, contribute to the latest ideation and strategic thinking in peacekeeping, ensuring our approaches are both innovative and effective.”

The UN announced that Major Sen will receive the award from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a ceremony on Thursday, May 30. Guterres praised Major Sen, describing her service as “a true credit to the United Nations as a whole.”

Kamboj also highlighted the importance of pre-deployment training at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi, which prepares not only Indian peacekeepers but also many international counterparts to face challenges with resilience and empathy.

“We are profoundly proud of our peacekeepers and their noble mission. Their sacrifices and achievements challenge us to build a world where peace is not just a distant dream, but a tangible reality,” Kamboj concluded.

Re-reported from the article originally published in INDIATODAYNE.