Modi lauds armed forces' role in UN Peace Keeping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Indian armed forces for their valor and mentioned especially about their "vital role" in establishing peace across the world along with the UN Peace keepers.

Sharing his recent experience of celebrating Diwali with security forces in the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said in his monthly radio programme Mann-Ki-Baat that: "Memories of Diwali celebrations with security forces in Gurez sector of Jammu & Kashmir will stay long cherished in my heart". "Many of us may not be aware that the jawans of our security forces play an important role not only on our borders but they play a very vital role in establishing peace the world over.

As UN Peacekeepers, they are bringing glory to the nation in the comity of nations. United Nations Day was observed recently all over the world on the 24th of October," he said. He said Indian armed forces' role in peacekeeping throughout the world is in effect in the spirit of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” which means the whole world is "our family". Mr Modi said more than 18,000 Indian security personnel have lent their services in UN Peacekeeping Operations. "Till August 2017,Indian soldiers had lent their services in about 50 of the total of 71 Peacekeeping operations undertaken by the UN the world over," he said. "Indian security forces have not only saved people in various countries but also won their hearts with their people-friendly operations," he said and also pointed out that Indian women too have played a leading role in peace keeping efforts.

"Very few people may know that India was the first country which sent a female police unit to Liberia for the United Nations Peace Mission," he said. Prime Minister further said, India’s contribution is "not limited" to just peacekeeping operations but it is also providing training to peacekeepers from about 85 countries. (UNI)