India Condemns Killing of UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Seeks Accountability

United Nations, March 2026 : India on Monday strongly condemned the killing of United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon and called for strict accountability for those responsible, following a series of deadly incidents involving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

According to UN Under-Secretary for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, three peacekeepers from Indonesia lost their lives within a span of 24 hours, highlighting the growing risks faced by personnel deployed in conflict zones.

In a statement, India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations denounced the attacks, saying it “condemns the recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL” and paid tribute to the fallen “Blue Helmets.” The UN has not yet identified the perpetrators, as investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the killings, with his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reiterating that peacekeepers must never be targeted under any circumstances. Lacroix described the incidents as “unacceptable,” underscoring the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.

UNIFIL operates in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, a region marked by heightened tensions involving Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The mission plays a critical role in maintaining stability by assisting the Lebanese government in asserting control over the area and acting as a buffer between the two sides.

India’s statement also recalled its leadership role at the UN Security Council in 2021, when it piloted a resolution calling for accountability against those who attack peacekeepers. Emphasising its continued commitment, India said it would pursue action to ensure that those responsible for the latest attacks are brought to justice.

India remains one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. The country has made significant sacrifices, losing 164 personnel in peacekeeping operations over the years, including six in UNIFIL. At present, 642 Indian personnel, including 540 troops, are deployed with the mission in Lebanon.

Providing details of the incidents, Lacroix said one Indonesian peacekeeper was killed on Sunday in an explosion inside a UNIFIL base. On Monday, two more peacekeepers were killed when an explosion struck a logistics convoy, destroying their vehicle and injuring two others. The exact cause of the explosions remains unclear.

In a separate development, Dujarric revealed that a UNIFIL convoy was fired upon with warning shots by Israel Defence Forces personnel on Saturday, with small arms fire hitting one of the vehicles.

The latest attacks have once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by UN peacekeepers and the pressing need for greater accountability and protection in volatile regions.