India on Monday condemned the attack on UN peacekeepers in South Sudan, as the peacekeeping mission in the conflict-stricken country stressed that targeting Blue Helmets may constitute war crimes under international law.
“We condemn the attack carried out on UN peacekeepers deployed with UNMISS on 24 August 2026. We pay tribute to the fallen Ethiopian Blue Helmet and wish an early recovery to the injured peacekeepers,” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a social media post.
India reiterated the fundamental importance of respecting the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises and personnel.
“We call upon all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, who operate under UN Security Council mandates,” the mission said.
It also urged full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2589 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, and called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the attack to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure full accountability.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemned the ambush on its patrol travelling to Pajut in Jonglei state by unidentified armed individuals.
It said that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.
“Two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff,” the UNMISS said in a statement, without revealing the nationalities of the blue helmets.
The mission deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response, the statement said.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
“I call on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.
India is the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping.
It currently contributes more than 4,200 military and police personnel, including 155 women troops, to UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara.
As of April 2026, India was the top troop contributor to UNMISS, with 1,775 Indian military personnel deployed with the UN mission.
UN peacekeepers are also called blue helmets, as they wear distinctive light blue helmets or berets to remain visible and neutral while helping countries navigate conflict, monitor ceasefires, and protect civilians.
-PTI
