Lt Gen Subramanian assumes the command of the world’s largest peacekeeping mission of the UN.

By Arul LouiUnited Nations, Aug 30 : Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian of India has assumed the control of the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations in South Sudan, the largest of its 13 operations.

"It is an honor to be able to work for peace and stability in the worlds newest nation, South Sudan, by leading a diverse army of peacekeepers in the largest peacekeeping mission in the world.

" he said in Juba on Monday, as reported by the mission.The mission, also known as UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) includes 13,254 troops comprising 17,982 people, of whom, 2,385 troops and 30 police officers come from India.

He was presented with an honour guard of honor by soldiers from India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Ethiopia as he succeeded an Indian Lt Gen.Shailesh Tinaikar.He was appointed to the post by Major Gen.Main Ullah Chowdhury of Bangladesh who was the interim commander.Subramanian is on his second stint with the UN following his time in Sierra Leone as a staff officer with the mission in 2000.

Subramanian was the Commandant of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and as the General Officer in Charge of the Military Region, Operational and Logistic Readiness Zone in Central India.A According to the DSSC, Subramanian, who was appointed in the Corps of Army Air Defence in 1986, was presented with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

According to the UN, he has also been the Director Generals Additional for Procurement and Equipment Management at the Defence Ministrys Integrated Headquarters, General Officer Commanding the Strike Infantry Division, Deputy General Officer Commanding of Infantry Division, and the Commander of an Mountain Brigade.He has led an Air Defence Regiment in Desert Sector and an Infantry Division in Eastern Theatre as per the DSSC.(Arul Louis is reached via aru.l@ians.in and can be followed on Twitter at @arulouis.) arul/sh.