Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025: Michelle Bachelet Awarded Prestigious Honour

Former Chile President Michelle Bachelet awarded Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace 2024 for her work in human rights, gender equality & democracy.

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The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024 has been conferred upon former President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to democracy, human rights, gender equality, and global peace. Announced in November 2025, this prestigious award continues the legacy of one of India’s most iconic leaders, late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize – Latest News (2025)

Winner 2024: Michelle Bachelet (former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)
Award carries a cash prize of ₹25 lakh and a citation
The award was presented in New Delhi by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust

Michelle Bachelet was selected for her lifelong dedication to promoting peace, strengthening democratic institutions, advancing women’s rights, and protecting human rights even in the most challenging circumstances.

What is the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development?

Established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions toward:

Promoting international peace, disarmament, and development
Ensuring scientific progress benefits humanity as a whole
Enlarging freedom and enriching the human spirit
Fostering a new international economic order
Advancing the interests of developing nations
Promoting racial equality and harmony among nations

The award reflects Indira Gandhi’s vision of a just, equitable, and peaceful world.

Prize Money: ₹25 lakh + Citation Frequency: Annual Eligibility: Open to any individual or organisation worldwide, irrespective of nationality, race, or religion.

List of Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Winners (1987–2024)

Year	Recipient(s)	Notable Achievement/Reason
1987	Mikhail Gorbachev (Soviet Union)	Role in ending the Cold War
1989	UNICEF	Work for child welfare globally
1997	Jimmy Carter (USA)	Peace efforts and humanitarian work
2003	United Nations & Kofi Annan	Strengthening multilateralism
2013	Angela Merkel (Germany)	Leadership in European unity and refugee crisis
2014	Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)	Peaceful use of outer space
2017	Dr Manmohan Singh (India)	Economic reforms and inclusive growth
2019	Sir David Attenborough (UK)	Environmental conservation and climate awareness
2021	Pratham (Indian NGO)	Transforming elementary education in India
2022	Indian Medical Association & Trained Nurses Association of India	Exemplary service during COVID-19 pandemic
2023	Daniel Barenboim & Ali Abu Awwad (Argentina/Israel & Palestine)	Promoting Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation through music and dialogue
2024	Michelle Bachelet (Chile)	Advocacy for human rights, gender equality, and democratic governance

Why Michelle Bachelet Deserves the 2024 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Michelle Bachelet’s journey is a testament to resilience and commitment to justice:

First female President of Chile (2006–2010 and 2014–2018)
Served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018–2022)
Survived political persecution and exile during the Pinochet dictatorship
Pioneered groundbreaking laws on gender equality, social protection, and pension reforms in Chile
Championed global efforts against torture, discrimination, and climate injustice

Her work aligns perfectly with the core values of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize – promoting peace, development, and human dignity.

Significance of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Often regarded as India’s equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize, the award has gained international prestige because of the stature of its past recipients – from world leaders like Gorbachev, Carter, and Merkel to organisations like UNICEF and ISRO.

The prize not only honours extraordinary contributions but also keeps alive Indira Gandhi’s vision of a world free from war, poverty, and discrimination.

Conclusion

The conferment of the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development on Michelle Bachelet reaffirms the award’s relevance in today’s turbulent world. As global conflicts, climate crises, and inequalities persist, leaders like Bachelet remind us that peace and justice are possible through courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

Stay updated with the latest current affairs and award announcements for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams. The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize remains one of the most respected honours in the realm of global peace and humanitarian efforts.