Rajnath Singh interacts with women officers from 15 countries at UN peacekeeping course in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 23: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday interacted with women military officers from 15 countries and India who are attending the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC-2025) in New Delhi. The two-week programme, being held from August 18–29 at the Manekshaw Centre, is organised by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping under the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs. It aims to strengthen the professional capacity of women officers for effective participation in UN peacekeeping missions.

Addressing the officers at South Block, Singh underlined India’s role as the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and reiterated the country’s support for greater integration of women in these missions.

“We are strengthening policies to encourage women’s participation in our Armed Forces and peacekeeping contingents, ensuring they have equal opportunities to lead and serve,” he said, stressing India’s commitment to gender parity and inclusive leadership.

The course has brought together participants from Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay and Vietnam, along with 12 Indian women officers and five interns. Singh described their presence as “a microcosm of the UN and its enduring spirit of unity and cooperation.”

Highlighting the UN’s vision to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping, the Defence Minister said women peacekeepers bring “invaluable perspectives” and often foster deeper trust with local communities, particularly with women and children. Their presence, he noted, helps prevent sexual violence, improves humanitarian outreach, and promotes gender equality in conflict zones. During the event, Singh unveiled Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping, a special Platinum Jubilee edition of the UN Journal 2025, which captures India’s legacy and future vision in global peacekeeping. Reflecting on the symbolism of the blue helmet, he said peacekeepers “offer protection like the sky and build connections across borders like the oceans.”

The curriculum of UNWMOC-2025 covers International Humanitarian Law, protection of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, child protection, conduct and discipline, and humanitarian assistance for refugees and displaced people. The course also includes lectures by UN officials, senior Indian Army veterans, and international experts, as well as a field demonstration by an infantry battalion nominated for UN duty. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers were present during the interaction.