Maritime security and other strategic issues were also discussed during the meeting….reports Asian Lite News
The Indian Navy is ready to participate in the Maritime Task Force at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff has said.
The issue of increasing participation of Indian armed forces in UN Peacekeeping operations was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) of the Indian Navy Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh and India’s Permanent Representative to the UN T S Tirumurti on Tuesday.
Maritime security and other strategic issues were also discussed during the meeting.
Vice Admiral Singh also had discussions with Military Advisor at UN HQ Lt Gen Carlos Loitey & Deputy Military Advisor Maj Gen Maureen O’ Brien on a series of issues including pledging of ship for UNIFIL and India’s outreach during the recent pandemic.
“VAdm Ravneet Singh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) had discussions with Military Advisor at @UN HQ, Lt Gen Carlos Loitey & Dy Military Advisor Maj Gen Maureen O’ Brien on series of issues incl pledging of ship for @UNIFIL_ & India’s outreach during the recent #pandemic,” the Indian Navy said on Twitter.
“Held discussions with @ambtstirumurti at Permanent Mission of @IndiaUNNewYork (PMI) on strategic issues with specific reference to #MaritimeSecurity. Increasing participation of #IndianArmedForces in UN Peacekeeping Ops & acknowledgement of their Mil prowess discussed,” the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy tweeted about the meeting between the DCNS and India’s PR to UN.
The Deputy Naval Chief in the meeting conveyed readiness of the Indian Navy to participate in Maritime Task Force at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and brought out importance of military wings in various missions abroad.
“DCNS conveyed readiness of #IndianNavy to participate in Maritime Task Force @UNIFIL_. He also brought out imp of Mil wings in various missions abroad. The Ambassador highlighted importance of increasing #India’s engagement with @UN & that he looked fwd to Mil Advisor joining PMI.
India has a long and deep tradition of contributing to UN Peacekeeping.
More than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
Indian peacekeepers have served in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.
They have served in some of the most physically demanding and harshest environments, including South Sudan.
Currently, there are more than 6,700 troops and police from India who have been deployed to UN peacekeeping missions, the fourth highest amongst troop-contributing countries.
More than 160 Indian peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price in service to peace, losing their lives serving under the UN flag.
Formed in 1978, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was tasked by the UN Security Council to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area.
Over 10,000 Peacekeeping have been stationed in UNIFIL that is currently monitoring cessation of hostilities and helping ensure humanitarian access to civilian population.
India is the fourth largest constituent of the UNIFIL with 847 troops.