The United Nations will honor two Indian peacekeepers, Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, with the posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medal in a significant ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York. This ceremony aligns with the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, which commemorates the sacrifices of more than 4,300 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service since 1948.
Brigadier Amitabh Jha served with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, where he played a crucial role in monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Stationed in a sensitive area along the Purple Line, Jha was vital in maintaining stability in a region afflicted by conflict since the Yom Kippur War. His contributions took on heightened importance following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the subsequent Israeli military actions in the buffer zone, showcasing the complexities and challenges of peacekeeping in volatile environments.
Havildar Sanjay Singh participated in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), one of the most challenging peacekeeping missions worldwide. Singh was engaged in efforts to support the Congolese government in stabilizing conflict-ridden regions, contributing to a broader Indian commitment to MONUSCO amid ongoing violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
The award ceremony is set to commence at 3:00 p.m. ET, following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Peacekeepers Memorial Site, led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at 2:45 p.m. ET. This year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” emphasizes the ongoing evolution and importance of UN missions in various regions, including Liberia, Cambodia, and Sierra Leone, while honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for global peace.
India has established itself as one of the largest and most consistent contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Represented by the emblem of crossed swords beneath the Ashoka Pillar and the motto “Satyameva Jayate,” Indian forces have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to international peace efforts. The recognition of Brigadier Jha and Havildar Singh places them alongside other Indian heroes, such as Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who received similar honors in 2024 for his service in MONUSCO.
The sacrifices made by these soldiers highlight the human toll of global peacekeeping efforts and reflect the United Nations’ fundamental mission to prevent future generations from experiencing the horrors of war. Their legacy will continue to serve as a testament to India’s enduring role in promoting peace and security in some of the world’s most treacherous regions.
