Lt Gen. Mohan Subramanian of India has taken over the command of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, the largest of its 13 global operations. He took charge from Maj. Gen. Main Ullah Chowdhury of Bangladesh, who was the interim commander.

He was given a guard of honour by troops from India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Ethiopia as he succeeded another Indian, Lt Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve for sustainable peace in the world’s youngest country, South Sudan, by leading diverse military peacekeepers in the world’s largest peacekeeping mission”, he said in Juba, the country's capital on Monday, according to the mission.

The operation, known as UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has 13,254 troops among its 17,982 personnel, of whom, 2,385 troops and 30 police personnel are from India.

This is Subramanian's second tour with the UN, having served in Sierra Leone as a staff officer with the mission in 2000.

Subramanian has served as the commandant of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the General Officer Commanding, Military Region Operational and Logistic Readiness Zone in India. 

(SAM)