India vows support for South Sudan’s transition to democracy

JUBA – The government of India through its embassy in Juba has pledged to support South Sudan’s transition to sustainable peace and good governance.

India is one of the countries with the largest number of troops serving in the UN peacekeeping operations in the country. Currently, there are 2,342 Indian troops and 25 police personnel deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

About 850 Indian peacekeepers serving in the country have been awarded the prestigious UN medals for their service and contribution to building peace in the strife-torn nation and supporting the local communities.

Speaking at the event to commemorate the 75th independence anniversary of India on Sunday in Juba, Ambassador Vishnu Kumar Sharma said India remains committed to supporting the implementation of the peace agreement.

Teaming up

“The cooperation between South Sudan and India will continue and India is ready to support South Sudan especially in the areas of stabilized peace and projects. I am still new but the embassy of India will continue to support this country,” he said.

He said their focus has always been on peace, education, health, and agriculture.

“The same cooperation will continue as we shall call you when you are needed especially the government and our partners,” he said, adding that South Sudanese should exercise a non-violent approach to achieve peace and prosperity for all citizens.

India Embassy in Juba, through the ITEC, has always provided more than 200 scholarships programs every year to young South Sudanese and government officials from different institutions

Amb. Kumar called on the Indian community present in the country to contribute to the economic growth for both South Sudan and India.

“Our nation—like many others—suffered great injustices and tyranny under foreign rule. What distinguishes us is that the character of our nationalist movement was based on principle on truth and none violence,” Amb. Kumar.

India has a long-standing relationship with the people of South Sudan and it was the first Asian country to recognize South Sudan in 2007 after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement

However, Amb. Kumar noted that the political defections and lack of trust among the parties to the agreement as well sub-sectional conflict among communities reflect tenuous political and security situations.

In March 2021, during the UN Security Council meeting in New York, Deputy Permanent Representative of India’s Mission to United Nations Amb. Nagara Naidu welcomed the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

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