At least 565 Indian peacekeepers, including 53 women, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been honored for their dedication and commitment to protect civilians and support peacebuilding efforts in the conflict-hit country.The UN body said the peacekeepers were recognized for their efforts in “protecting civilians through patrols, community engagement, veterinary camps, women’s self-defence training, combating gender violence and improving humanitarian access”. Blue Helmets refers to military personnel, police officers and civilian experts serving under the operational command of United Nations peacekeeping forces.The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations appreciated the awards and congratulated the Indian contingent. “The Indian Blue Helmets have consistently maintained the highest standards of professionalism in all areas of their operations,” the mission said in a social media post. India is the second largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations after Nepal.It currently contributes more than 4,200 military and police personnel, including 155 women, to missions in Abyei, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara. About 180 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty, the highest number among troop contributing countries.