India, April 4 -- The UN has lauded efforts by Indian peacekeepers deployed in South Sudan to reopen a critical supply route impacted by floods last year, emphasising the "vital role" played by peacekeeping missions in assisting local communities.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said amid these difficult times, there are some hopeful developments to in South Sudan. "Our Peacekeeping Mission there (UNMISS) reports that in Upper Nile State, Indian peacekeepers from the Engineering Unit have successfully reopened a key section of the Malakal-Renk main supply route, which had been closed since last year's floods," he said at the daily press briefing.  He said the new road alignment, which entailed re...