New Delhi: Within days of the despatch of an Air Force peacekeeping contingent to Congo, India is sending another batch of troops on July 16 for United Nations peacekeeping exercise in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Maj Gen K S Jamwal, in-charge of deployment of Indian Army on UN missions, on July 15 bade farewell to soldiers of 15 Sikh Light Infantry Battalion, who would be stationed in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

As many as 90 personnel of the 10 Garhwal Rifles, who are also leaving for Congo to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, were present on the occasion.

An Army spokesman said India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations in the last five decades with over 65,000 troops having participated in such actions so far. 108 Indian soldiers have been killed in these operations.

At present, Indian forces are posted in Lebanon, Congo Ethiopia and Eritrea. Besides these, India is contributing over 100 personnel including officers in various UN missions.

Highlighting the universal acclaim received by the Indian Army for its professional excellence, selfless service and devotion to duty in all UN peacekeeping missions, Maj Gen Jamwal reminded the soldiers that they were India's goodwill ambassadors and their personal conduct should, therefore, be of the highest order.

PTI