1992, 60 Para Field Ambulance

TYPE:
COMMEMORATIVE
DATE OF ISSUE:
10 august 1992
ISSUED BY:
INdia post
NUMBER OF STAMPS PRINTED:
1 MILLION
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This commemorative stamp was issued in honour of the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army, depicting the unit setting the leg of a casualty in the Korean War. India deployed 60 Para to Korea under UN Command, and the unit would participate in India’s first ever peacekeeping mission following the 1953 armistice between the Koreas.

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60 Para training in Korea, 1951. Photo: United Nations

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Indian troops maintaining the peace between
Israel and Egypt in Gaza, 1958. Photo: United
Nations

Indian troops maintaining the peace between Israel and Egypt in Gaza, 1958. Photo: United Nations

Since this first deployment, India has participated in 49 UN Peacekeeping missions, contributing over 200,000 troops to maintaining peace in some of the most challenging operations around the world - a testament to India’s commitment to the UN Charter values of peace and security.

In addition to providing military troops, India participates in peacekeeping through civilian personnel, and is also one of the largest contributors of police to UN peacekeeping missions. Of particular note is India’s support for the women in peace and security agenda, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which urges for increased participation of women in peacekeeping efforts.

From 2007 to 2017, India deployed the first ever all-female UN Police Unit to Liberia, to strengthen the rule of law and maintain peace in the war-torn country, as part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

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The all-female Indian police unit arrives in Liberia,
2007. Photo: United Nations

Over its 9-year deployment, the Indian Formed Police Unit managed public
order, deterred gender-based violence, built local security capacity and gave
local women lessons on self-defence, HIV/AIDS and provided medical services.
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Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf thanking the all-female Indian Police Unit at their farewell ceremony, 2016. Photo: Emmanuel Tobey/ UNMIL

Through their unwavering performance, professionalism and discipline,
including during the Ebola epidemic, these brave women gained the respect
of both Liberia’s government and its people, and were highly commended by
the UN Secretary-General.