Delivering the inaugural address, the COAS applauded the role of UN Peacekeeping Contingents in maintaining peace across the world. He highlighted India’s achievement as the second largest troop contributing country with deployment of 7,695 personnel across the globe. Gen Singh also applauded the Indian Peacekeepers, four from Army and one civilian, who were awarded the UN ‘Dag Hammarskjold Medal’ this year on May 19.
The Army Chief further highlighted the necessity of the major Troop Contributing Nations in having a say in the mandate, tasks and policy coordination. He added mandate of peacekeeping forces was transitioning from Peace Keeping to Peace Reinforcement. The COAS also stressed on the requirement for better training to make sure the soldier’s understand the task and the manner in which they are required to operate in actual scenario.
Yuri Afanasiev, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India also read out the UN Secretary General's message, after which homage was paid to the fallen peacekeepers by observing two minutes silence.
The event was attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Dalbir Singh, members of the diplomatic community, veteran peacekeepers, UN Country Teams, students from prominent universities and Indian Army contingents earmarked for UN deployment.
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