PM Modi congratulates Major Abhilash Barak on receiving UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Major Abhilasha Barak Photo Credit: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 07, 2026) congratulated Major Abhilash Barak for being awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year, saying the honor was in recognition of her exemplary service as well as India’s long-term contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts.

Major Barak, who is currently serving in the UN mission in Lebanon, was honored with the award for his efforts to help women and girls during his deployment in the West Asian country.

She is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army.

Major Barak is currently serving in the UN mission in Lebanon. | Photo credit: ANI

“Congratulations to Major Abhilash Barak on receiving the UN Military Gender Advocate Award,” Mr. Modi said in a post on ‘X’.

The prime minister said Major Barak serves as the engagement team commander and gender focal point for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“This honor is in recognition of her exemplary service as well as India’s long-term contribution to United Nations peace efforts. Her achievement is also an inspiration to countless young Indians, especially our daughters, who aspire to serve the nation and humanity,” he said.

The awardee is selected each year from among candidates nominated by force commanders and heads of missions from all peacekeeping operations, according to UN Peacekeeping.

India is among the countries with the largest number of soldiers and policemen contributing to UN peacekeeping missions.

As of February 2026, UNIFIL consists of 7,538 peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, including 642 from India, the fourth highest after Italy (784), Indonesia (756) and Spain (660).

Published – 07 Jun 2026 22:11 IST