India and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have strongly condemned the killing of two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in South Sudan after their patrol was ambushed in Jonglei State. The attack also left three peacekeepers, two South Sudan police officers, and two UN civilian staff members injured. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) immediately deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist those affected, while an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible.

India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations paid tribute to the fallen peacekeepers and reiterated that attacks on UN personnel are unacceptable. New Delhi urged the immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2589, which focuses on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, and called for a thorough investigation to ensure that those behind the ambush are brought to justice. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also stressed that attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may amount to war crimes under international law.

India remains one of the world’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with 1,775 personnel currently serving in South Sudan. Over the years, 161 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, including 17 in South Sudan. The latest attack comes amid escalating violence in Jonglei State, where clashes involving armed groups have intensified, raising fresh concerns over the safety of peacekeepers and civilians working to maintain stability in the conflict-hit nation.