7,121 Indian soldiers deployed in UN Missions: Antony

NEW DELHI: A total of 7,121 Indian soldiers have been deployed in the UN Missions and 18 troops have been killed in various operations there since 2010, Defence Minister A K Antony informed the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply, he provided the details of soldiers deployed in UN Mission and the number of casualties which have taken place there during last few years.

He said so far this year, six Indian soldiers were killed in UN operations, five of whom died in South Sudan. Last year four soldiers were killed in Congo, followed by one each in Lebanon and South Sudan.

Maximum deployment of 3,766 Indian troops is in Congo, followed by 2,249 troops in South Sudan, he said.

On the assistance provided to the next of kin of the soldiers killed, Antony said, "USD 70,000 is paid to the next of kin of the deceased from UN HQ through Permanent Mission of India, New York."

He also said that the Indian Government pays the next of kin all the benefits and entitlements including death benefits, death cum retirement gratuity, provident fund subscription, liberalised family pension and ex-gratia compensation.

On steps taken to ensure security of soldiers in these missions, Antony said, "Soldiers deployed in peacekeeping missions are equipped with personal protection kit. Infantry Combat Vehicles are also deployed in the Mission as per the operational necessity."