Indian soldiers have recently been awarded the 'UN Medal' for their…

The United Nations recognises peacekeeping personnel serving under UN-mandated missions with UN Medals, in acknowledgement of service and sacrifice during active conflict-zone deployments. India is one of the largest troop- and police-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.

In late 2017, Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were awarded UN Medals for protecting civilians and supporting the peace process during the South Sudanese civil conflict, as reported directly by UNMISS and the UN Department of Peace Operations.

• Congo: India has also contributed troops to the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), but the UN Medal recognition reported at that time was tied specifically to the South Sudan deployment, not to Congo.

• Somalia: the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is an African Union-led operation, not a UN peacekeeping mission, so a 'UN Medal' award does not apply there.

• None of the above: does not apply, since South Sudan is the well-documented recipient mission for this recognition.

Hence, the peacekeeping work for which Indian soldiers were recently awarded the UN Medal took place in South Sudan.