New York : India has called for United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions to be better resourced, adequately protected and more representative of the countries contributing troops and personnel. Highlighting its longstanding commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, India stated that it has deployed more than 300,000 troops across 50 UN missions so far.
India also noted that 184 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice while serving under the UN flag in various peacekeeping operations.
Addressing the annual debate on the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations at the United Nations, India’s Military Adviser, Colonel Tarunendra Pratap Singh, emphasised the need for adequate resources, improved security arrangements and stronger coordination with troop-contributing countries.
Emphasis on Safety and Accountability of Peacekeepers
Colonel Singh paid tribute to peacekeepers who lost their lives during missions this year and highlighted the risks faced by personnel working to maintain international peace and security.
He stressed that those responsible for attacks against peacekeepers must be held accountable. He also underlined that assigning extensive responsibilities to peacekeeping missions without providing adequate resources, equipment and protection could undermine their effectiveness.
Troop-Contributing Countries Must Have a Greater Role
India called for stronger institutional consultations with troop- and police-contributing countries before the mandates of peacekeeping missions are formulated or reviewed.
Colonel Singh highlighted that the experience and operational insights of these countries must be taken into account while making decisions concerning peacekeeping operations.
He also cautioned that missions without clearly defined operational objectives place unnecessary pressure on available resources and can affect the credibility of the UN peacekeeping framework.
India Advocates Greater Use of Technology and Renewable Energy
India also called for increased adoption of modern technology and renewable energy solutions in UN peacekeeping operations.
Referring to India’s support for the UNITE AWARE initiative, Colonel Singh highlighted the importance of technological advancements in improving operational efficiency, situational awareness and the safety of peacekeeping personnel.
Women Peacekeepers Play an Important Role
Highlighting India’s contribution towards women’s participation in peacekeeping, Colonel Singh stated that India has been deploying women personnel in UN missions since 1960.
In 2007, India deployed the first-ever all-women Formed Police Unit in Liberia under the United Nations. Currently, 160 Indian women peacekeepers are serving in different UN missions.
Peacekeeping Remains a Priority for India’s UNSC Candidature
Concluding his address, Colonel Singh stated that UN peacekeeping remains one of India’s key priorities for its candidature for the 2028-29 term of the United Nations Security Council.
He reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening a peacekeeping framework that is adequately resourced, better protected and representative of all regions of the world.
India also maintained that the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) remains the appropriate forum for discussions on matters related to UN peacekeeping operations.