Indian Army Brigadier Shishir Bhardwaj Honoured for UNMISS Leadership in South Sudan

Indian Army Brigadier Shishir Bhardwaj has been formally recognised by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for his leadership as Commander of Sector South, wrapping up a year-long deployment in one of the mission’s most demanding operational areas.

Brigadier Bhardwaj led UNMISS uniformed peacekeepers responsible for protecting civilians and helping deter violence across three regions of South Sudan. His role required coordination among multinational contingents operating in a difficult security environment, where the mission continues to balance field deployments, civilian protection responsibilities and broader stabilisation tasks.

The contribution of the Indian officer was acknowledged by Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Head of UNMISS, who appreciated his leadership and noted India’s important role in United Nations peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan. The recognition came as he completed his tenure with the mission in September 2026.

Brigadier Bhardwaj took charge of UNMISS Sector South in September 2025, succeeding Brigadier Dinesh Singh. In addition to commanding the sector, he also served as India’s Senior National Representative during his deployment, giving him a dual role in both operational command and national-level coordination within the mission.

Throughout his assignment, he worked closely with peacekeeping contingents from different countries and carried out operational visits to troops under his area of responsibility. Among these were visits to Rwandan peacekeeping units, including RWANBATT-3 at Durupi Camp and RWANBATT-1 at Tomping, reflecting the multinational character of the UN mission in South Sudan.

His responsibilities also extended to coordination with UNMISS military leadership and diplomatic representatives at a time when the mission was dealing with operational and budgetary challenges. The command structure in such a setting requires regular liaison between military, civilian and diplomatic stakeholders to keep peacekeeping activities functioning across the sector.

India has been a longstanding contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, with Indian Army personnel serving in a range of conflict-affected regions over several decades. In South Sudan, Indian troops deployed with UNMISS continue to carry out duties that include protection of civilians, security patrols, humanitarian assistance and support for peace-building efforts.

Brigadier Bhardwaj’s completion of his command at Sector South adds to that broader record of Indian participation in UN peacekeeping, particularly in support of stability and civilian protection in South Sudan.