Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) have been honored for their dedicated service in the contested, oil-rich border region between Sudan and South Sudan. The Acting Head of Mission of UNISFA, Major General Robert Yaw Affram, recognized the Indian contingent's contributions at a medal ceremony.

UNISFA shared details of the ceremony on X, noting that Major General Affram reviewed the Medal Parade Ceremony to honor the INDBATT (Indian Battalion) peacekeepers in Abyei. Visuals from the ceremony were also shared on the platform.

India has a long history of participation in UN peacekeeping operations, dating back to 1948. Since the 1950s, India has sent over 290,000 peacekeepers to more than 50 missions worldwide, making it the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts. Currently, over 5,000 Indian troops are serving in nine of the eleven active UN missions, dedicated to upholding global peace and security. India's contribution to UNISFA includes military observers and staff officials, reflecting the nation's commitment to global peace and security.

In addition to their role in maintaining peace and security, Indian peacekeepers have also been involved in community outreach and development projects. For example, Indian teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan have been instrumental in integrating women and children into community development projects. India has also been increasing the number of women in peacekeeping contingents.

India's commitment to peacekeeping is rooted in its philosophy of non-violence, championed by Mahatma Gandhi. In October 2025, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations hosted a discussion on the International Day of Non-Violence, focusing on the relevance of Gandhian principles for building sustainable global peace.

India's contributions to UN peacekeeping have not come without sacrifice. As of 2025, nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving in UN missions. In May 2025, two Indian peacekeepers, Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, one of the UN's highest peacekeeping honors.

The Centre of United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) hosted a conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South in New Delhi in February 2025. The conference brought together women peacekeepers from 35 nations to discuss the evolving role of women in peacekeeping operations and strategies to enhance their participation. As of February 2025, India has over 150 women peacekeepers serving across six critical missions.