India's "remarkable" role in United Nations peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world was today hailed by the global body. India is the largest cumulative troop contributor, having provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions over the past six decades, including 13 of the current 16 missions.<br/>'<br/>Participating at an event to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers In New Delhi today, UN Resident Coordinator in India Yuri Afanasiev read out a message from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in which he hailed India's contribution. He also mentioned that last year 117 peacekeepers had laid down their lives which included two from India.<br/>'<br/>He also paid tribute to Indian peacekeepers' rifleman Brijesh Thapa and Sepoy Ravi Kumar- who laid down their lives in the line of duty. <br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chief of Army Staff Sarath Chand applauded the Indian peacekeeping contingents for their dedication, conduct and competence. He also spoke on the changing dynamics in peacekeeping in the present UN missions and the way forward to overcome the challenges. <br/>