New Delhi: The United Nations has appreciated the role of 135 Indian and 103 Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
They received medals of appreciation from Lieutenant-General Shailesh Tinaikar, the UN Force Commander in South Sudan, this week, demonstrating the camaraderie and close cooperation between the two neighbouring countries’ armed forces.
Lt-Gen Tinaikar applauded their contribution for the “fulfilment of the UNMISS mandate in this trying environment.”
According to a statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, these peacekeepers were chosen for recognition from among troops of various ethnicities. With 2,418 Indian and 686 Sri Lankan personnel, they account for over 20 per cent of the UNMISS’ total serving staff strength.
The Indian troops are mostly stationed in Bor, Pibor, and a temporary operating base in Akobo, while the Sri Lankan soldiers are based in the Blue Berets aviation unit. They serve in vulnerable areas of South Sudan and have participated in a number of operations, including civil-military collaboration such as veterinary camps throughout the country.
Despite the fact that two helicopters have been shot in the past, the Sri Lankan peacekeepers continued to work tirelessly.
India and Sri Lanka have extensive defence and security ties. The Government of India had sent various assets to Sri Lanka within hours of receiving a request to put out the fire on the MV XPress Pearl and address environmental issues.
The position of India as the region’s “first responder” was also on display during Operation Sagar Araksha I in September 2020 and the floods in Sri Lanka in May 2017.
The multifaceted character of bilateral involvement in the defence and security spheres cuts across numerous areas such as maritime security, joint exercises, the statement said.
(Venkatesh Iyer)