UN Awards Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to Two Brave Indian Soldiers on International Day of UN Peacekeepers
On May 29, the world observes the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, a solemn day to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives for global peace under the UN flag. This year, Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, two Indian peacekeepers, will be posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, the highest tribute given to peacekeepers who die in the line of duty. Their service in the Golan Heights and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively, reflects India’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and the supreme price its soldiers are often called upon to pay.
Indian UN peacekeepers Brigadier Amitabh Jha & Havildar Sanjay Singh to be honoured posthumously later today by the UN. https://t.co/lq4tvH3Nga pic.twitter.com/qKDcNgMLOw
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 29, 2025
India, one of the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions, continues to demonstrate its global leadership in conflict resolution and humanitarian service. The stories of Brigadier Jha and Havildar Singh remind us of the courage, discipline, and sacrifice that define Indian military contributions to international peace.
Brigadier Amitabh Jha – A Strategic Leader in the Golan Heights
Brigadier Amitabh Jha served as the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), stationed in the Golan Heights, a geopolitically sensitive area between Syria and Israel. Amid escalating regional instability and fallout from the Syrian civil war, Brigadier Jha was entrusted with immense responsibility, acting as Force Commander in complex operational scenarios. A seasoned infantry officer, Brigadier Jha had led a brigade in glaciated mountainous terrain and commanded elite units in India. His military profile was enhanced by a deep interest in geopolitics, modern warfare, and military diplomacy, making him an ideal officer for the high-stakes international mission. He had also earlier served as a UN Military Observer in the DRC (2005–06) under MONUSCO.
Brigadier Jha passed away due to medical reasons while still in command. The Indian Army and UN Secretary-General expressed profound grief, recognizing his leadership, dedication, and service to peace. His legacy will remain a testament to India’s contribution to global security in volatile regions.
Havildar Sanjay Singh – Courage Amidst Conflict in the Congo
Havildar Sanjay Singh, a brave and dedicated soldier, was deployed in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). This mission operates in one of the most dangerous and conflict-ridden regions in the world, where peacekeepers often face the threat of armed groups, civil unrest, and humanitarian crises.
While serving in this hostile environment, Havildar Singh lost his life, fulfilling his duty to protect civilians and assist humanitarian operations. The exact circumstances of his death have not been detailed, but it is clear he died in the line of duty, upholding the UN’s mission of peace and stability. His sacrifice highlights not just personal bravery, but also the immense risks Indian soldiers endure when serving in multinational missions far from home. With over 5,300 Indian troops currently deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, Havildar Singh’s name is added to a long and honourable list of Indian martyrs for global peace.
Both Brigadier Jha and Havildar Singh will be honoured at a solemn ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York. Their families, the Indian Army, and the global peacekeeping community will remember them as symbols of courage, professionalism, and selfless service.
India has a proud legacy of UN peacekeeping. Since 1948, more than 160 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives, the highest number from any nation. The award serves as an acknowledgment of India’s crucial role in international peace operations, and these two soldiers embody that tradition of sacrifice and duty.
