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India is amongst the largest contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operations. So far, the Indian Army has participated in 36 Peacekeeping Missions with more than 70,000 troops. Thus India’s participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping is as old as that of the UN Peacekeeping itself which has seen the history of over five decades. Known for their equanimity and forbearance, Indian troops have proved popular everywhere. It is in this context that the Department of Posts, in honour of the contribution of Indian Army is bringing out a Commemorative Postage Stamp. The Commemorative Postage Stamp which is in the denomination of rupees five will be released here on 24th October 2004 (Sunday), by the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
India first sent its troops for deployment in Korea as a part of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission in 1953-54, a delicate task which involved the repatriation of Prisoners of War. This was followed by a stint at Gaza to keep Israeli and Egyptian forces apart. The largest and longest serving contingent was sent to Congo in 1961. India later sent Brigade Group to Somalia and displayed its resolve to support international community in peace and security issues. India has deployed Battalion Groups, engineers, and medical teams in Cambodia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Lebanon and Ethiopia. Observers and staff personnel have made their contributions to the international peace efforts in Central America, Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Kuwait, Liberia, Lebanon, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Mozambique, Burundi, Ivory Coast and Congo.
The present strength of the Indian Army in the UN Peacekeeping Force is 2357 which include all ranks. In addition to Military Observers and Staff Officers, the Indian Army is participating with troops in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Ethiopia-Eritrea (UNMEE). The Indian Army is also in the process of deploying one Infantry Brigade Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The most difficult areas across the world and the range of sensitive peacekeeping operations India has participated in, are the testimony to India’s commitment to the UN Charter and its objectives.
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