India's legacy in UN peacekeeping: Leadership, commitment & sacrifice continue

New Delhi, Mar 09: Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has remained steadfast in its mission to uphold international peace and security peacekeeping, committed to its mission, continues to remain a vital mechanism that aids countries in transitioning from conflict to stability. India has played a crucial role in these efforts since its inception, contributing more than 290,000 troops to over 50 UN peacekeeping missions.

Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are serving across nine missions, some of which are dangerous missions and often operate under challenging and volatile conditions. India's extensive contribution to the peace missions highlights its leadership in peacekeeping and commitment to global stability and is widely accepted globally.

India's commitment to peacekeeping since its beginning aligns with the ancient philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasised that India's approach to peacekeeping is grounded in diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation.

In recognition of its sacrifices, India was awarded the UN's highest peacekeeping honour, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, in 2023. Indian peacekeepers Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi, along with civilian UN worker Shaber Taher Ali, were posthumously honoured for their contributions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Further strengthening its leadership, India has taken a lead role in advocating for greater women's participation in UN peacekeeping. In February 2025, India hosted the 'Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South' at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

35 nations participated in the women peacekeepers event. They discussed how to enhance female participation in peacekeeping operations further. This initiative reinforces India's role in promoting gender inclusion in global peace efforts.

UN peacekeeping functions as a multifaceted tool aimed at maintaining global peace and security. While traditionally cantered on ceasefire enforcement and mediation, modern peacekeeping has evolved to encompass:

Facilitating Political Processes: Supporting governance structures and negotiations.

Protecting Civilians: Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.

Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): Assisting former combatants in rejoining society.

Election Support: Overseeing free and fair elections.

Human Rights and Rule of Law: Advocating for justice and governance reforms.

India's Contributions to UN Peacekeeping

India has maintained a lasting commitment to UN peacekeeping since the 1950s. From Korea to present-day conflict zones, Indian peacekeepers have served with distinction. As of May 2024, India contributes to nine UN missions, including UNIFIL (Lebanon): Infantry battalion group with 762 personnel; MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of the Congo): Infantry battalions, medical units, and support staff; UNMISS (South Sudan): Infantry battalion, medical personnel, and engineering units; UNDOF (Golan Heights): Logistics Battalion with 188 personnel.

India perhaps was one of the few leading countries promoting initiatives like the deployment of women peacekeepers. The historic 2007 all-female Formed Police Unit in Liberia set an example of empowered local women to participate in security efforts, setting a precedent for gender inclusion in peacekeeping.

Women in UN Peacekeeping

The role of world peacekeepers is of much importance as the main sufferers in the conflict are women and children, and who else than women can understand their needs, emotional as well as daily needs. So, women play a vital role in peacekeeping, enhancing conflict resolution and fostering trust with local communities. However the tragedy is that despite their effectiveness, they constitute around 10 percent or less of the UN's 70,000 uniformed blue helmet personnel.

The UN recognises this and aims to increase women's representation in military contingents to 15% and in police units to 25% by 2028. India has actively supported these efforts. In 2023, Major Radhika Sen received the "Military Gender Advocate of the Year" award for her contributions to gender-sensitive peacekeeping operations. Presently, over 150 Indian women peacekeepers serve across six missions, including Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Recently India organised a conference in promoting women in peacekeeping from the Global South. The conference where India took a lead enhances India's willingness and strength to focus enhancement of female participation in peacekeeping missions.

Training and Capacity Building

The Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), established by the Indian Army, plays a critical role in training peacekeepers. Each year, it prepares over 12,000 troops for peacekeeping missions and collaborates internationally on capacity-building efforts. IN february 2025 CUNPK organised a training programme for the women in peacekeeping in New Delhi. In 2016, India launched the United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) to enhance peacekeeping capabilities in African nations.

India's commitment to UN peacekeeping continues to play a major role in global peace, security, and multilateralism. As one of the largest troop-contributing nations, India not only provides personnel but also enhances mission effectiveness through training, capacity-building, and technological innovation.

India continues to advocate for women's participation in peacekeeping, ensuring its legacy of leadership and sacrifice endures for generations to come.