United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei Receives 159 Indigenously Made vehicles from the Indian Army

The Indian Army has been previously equipped with 16 locally made armoured vehicles called 'Kalyani M4' for its United Nations peacekeeping missions. The newly dispatched vehicles have been produced by Bharat Forge Limited, employing modern technology that enables them to withstand improved explosive blasts under their wheels. They are also quick-reaction fighting vehicles that can carry an infantry platoon of 20 to 25 personnel.

India has a long-standing history of serving in UN Peacekeeping, providing more personnel than any other country, with over 253,000 Indians serving in 49 out of 71 established missions since 1948. As a founding member of the United Nations, India is a strong advocate for its purposes and principles and has made significant contributions to implementing the Charter's goals and evolving the UN's specialised programs and agencies. India supports comprehensive reform of the United Nations and its institutions to reflect 21st-century realities and facilitate more decisive collective action. In 2007, India deployed the world's first all-women contingent for the Formed Police Unit to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia. Indian peacekeepers also provide medical care, veterinary support, engineering services, and other specialised tasks to the communities they serve. India has contributed 15 Force Commanders to various missions and was the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse established in 2016. India has also suffered around 175 casualties while serving in scattered peacekeeping operations with the United Nations, making it the second-largest contributor with approximately 5,500 troops.