Indian Army officers and soldiers during the commemoration of UN Peacekeepers’ Day at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, on May 29, 2025. (Photo: Indian Army)
New Delhi: The Indian Army commemorated the 77th United Nations Peacekeepers’ Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial here in the national capital, on Thursday. Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, deputy chief of army staff (Information Systems & Coordination), led the tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
The ceremony drew senior military officers and personnel from UN contingents, which underscored India’s steadfast and longstanding dedication to international peace and security. As one of the UN’s largest troop-contributing nations, India has deployed over 200,000 soldiers across 49 peacekeeping missions, with 179 brave personnel losing their lives in service.
The solemn occasion highlighted the courage, commitment, and professionalism that Indian peacekeepers bring to their crucial role in advancing UN ideals.
Fallen Indian Heroes to Receive Dag Hammarskjöld Medal
The UN will posthumously honour two Indian peacekeepers with the distinguished Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on Thursday, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice for global peace. Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh will receive the awards during a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, coinciding with the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
Brigadier Amitabh Jha. (Photo: Indian Army)
Jha served with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (Undof), managing sensitive ceasefire arrangements in Syria’s Golan Heights, which is occupied by Israel. Singh was deployed with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco), working to bring stability to conflict-torn regions.
Significance of the Award
The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, established through UN security council Resolution 1121 in 1997, bears the name of the UN’s second secretary general, who perished in a 1961 aircraft accident during a peace mission. The annual award recognizes military, police, and civilian personnel who make the supreme sacrifice while serving in UN peacekeeping operations.
Since 1948, more than 4,300 peacekeepers have died while serving under the UN flag. India’s substantial contribution to peacekeeping efforts has seen numerous Indian personnel honoured with this medal in previous years, reflecting the nation’s enduring commitment to international peace and stability.
