India Deploys Its Largest Single Unit of UN Women Peacekeepers

India will deploy a platoon of women peacekeepers toUNMission in Sudan. This will be Indiaslargest single unit of women Peacekeepersin a UN Mission since it deployed thefirst-ever all-women contingent in Liberia in 2007. The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 Other Ranks, will form part of an Engagement platoon and specialize in Community outreach, though they will be performing extensive security-related tasks as well. The deployment inAbyeiwill also heraldIndias intent of increasing significantly the number of Indian women in Peacekeeping contingents. The operation has been tasked with monitoring the flashpoint border between north and south and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and is authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers inAbyei.