Pallam Raju to Visit Indian Peacekeepers in Lebanon

New Delhi, Sept.8 : Minister of State for Defence, M M Pallam Raju, will pay a three-day visit to Lebanon from September 10 to 12.

Raju will visit the Indian peacekeeping contingent of nearly 900 personnel. He will interact with officers and troops and review the contribution and role of Indian troops in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Major General B V Nair, Additional Director General (CW) will accompany him.

This is the first visit in more than five years by a union minister to any Indian peacekeeping mission abroad.

India has deployed one infantry battalion in Lebanon which has the esponsibility of the eastern position of South Lebanon.

India, as a founder member of the United Nations, has been a firm supporter for the purposes and principles of the United Nations and has made significant contributions.

India is the third largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.

So far, India has taken part in 43 peacekeeping missions with more than 90,000 troops all over the world in various countries like Korea, Congo, Gaza, Somalia, Lebanon, Sudan etc.

The first deployment was to Korea in 1953-54. Presently, India has deployed 8,875 personnel in UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. India has provided 12 Force Commanders in various UN Missions. Towards the fulfillment of our commitment to the UN and world peace, 124 Indian soldiers have, so far made supreme sacrifice.

ANI