India is proud of its own "long and rich tradition" of contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations for which it has contributed the largest number of troops, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

 

 

 In her message on the United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers, which is observed on May 29, she said the men and women in peacekeeping operations had served with bravery, dedication and courage.

 

 "I would like to honour the brave men and women, who serve as peacekeepers selflessly in foreign lands, far away from their homes, to preserve international peace and security," she said, adding she saluted their "professionalism, dedication and courage".

 

 Paying tributes to the peacekeepers killed last year including two from India, she said: "I also pay solemn tribute to those who have laid down their lives for the cause of peace. In particular, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 126 peacekeepers, including 2 peacekeepers from India, who made the supreme sacrifice in 2014."

 

 Noting that United Nations' 70th anniversary was being observed in 2015, she said that invaluable contribution made by UN peacekeepers through the history of the organization should be well-recognised.

 

 "India is justifiably proud of its own long and rich tradition of contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations towards the preservation of international peace and security. India has contributed nearly 180,000 troops over the years, the largest number from any country. 160 peacekeepers from India have sacrificed their lives while serving for the United Nations," she said.