New York  - A United Nations internal investigation found that peacekeepers from India engaged in sexual exploitation and abuses when they were posted in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN said Tuesday.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply troubled" by prima facie evidence that the Indian contingent in the UN Mission in Congo had committed sex crimes while on duty in the West African nation.

Ban said in a statement that sexual misconduct by UN peacekeepers is "wholly unacceptable and that disciplinary action to the maximum degree permitted by Indian law should be taken as soon as possible against those found to be involved in such misconduct."

The government of India had assured the UN that charges against their nationals will be promptly investigated, and if proven, legal measures will be taken against the individuals. There were no details about peacekeepers charged with the crimes.

India is among the nations that have greatly contributed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations around the world. Ban said he respects India's contributions and that actions by a small number of individuals should not diminish India's "enormous contribution and sacrifice of the large number of blue helmets who serve the cause of peace."

UN peacekeepers in Congo, more than in any other troubled countries, have been accused of sexual exploitation of the local population or refugees, or of trafficking in precious minerals. In most cases, they were repatriated to face punitive measures from their home governments. (dpa)