Rajnath Singh unveils 4C formula to strengthen UN Peacekeeping Operations
New Delhi, Oct 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for a renewed global commitment to peacekeeping built on his proposed 4C framework – Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building — to address emerging security challenges and sustain global peace. The Defence Minister was addressing senior military leaders from United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) at the inaugural session of the Chiefs’ Conclave, hosted by India for the first time at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, from October 14–16.
The Defence Minister said peacekeepers today face increasingly complex threats, from asymmetric warfare and terrorism to humanitarian crises and disinformation campaigns, often in fragile political environments. He urged countries with advanced technological and financial capacities to step up support in logistics, technology, and specialised capabilities. “Innovations such as secure communications, surveillance systems and unmanned platforms can make missions safer and more effective,” he noted.
Calling for “reformed multilateralism” that reflects contemporary realities, Rajnath Singh said outdated UN structures often prevent effective responses to modern conflicts. “Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence. For today’s interconnected world, we need multilateralism that gives voice to all stakeholders and focuses on human welfare,” he said. Reaffirming India’s long-standing partnership with the UN, Rajnath Singh highlighted that nearly 2,90,000 Indian personnel have served in more than 50 peacekeeping missions, earning global recognition for their professionalism and compassion. “From the Congo and Korea to South Sudan and Lebanon, Indian peacekeepers have protected the vulnerable and rebuilt societies. We stand ready to share expertise and contribute to reforms that make peacekeeping more effective and humane,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the success of peacekeeping operations depends not only on numbers but also on preparedness. He pointed to India’s Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi, which has trained participants from over 90 countries, fostering interoperability and mutual understanding among international contingents. Rajnath Singh said India has developed cost-effective indigenous technologies, including land mobility platforms, secure communications, surveillance systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and medical support systems, to strengthen global peacekeeping missions.
He also praised the growing participation of women in peacekeeping, citing India’s pioneering all-women police contingent deployed to Liberia in 2007 and the recognition of an Indian Army officer in 2024 with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. “Their professionalism and compassion inspire local women and represent what modern peacekeeping can achieve, inclusion, respect, and trust,” he said. Rajnath Singh lauded the service of Indian medical peacekeepers, who have provided vital care in UN field hospitals across Africa, often under difficult conditions.
Reiterating India’s philosophy of peace rooted in non-violence, Rajnath Singh said India’s aspiration to be a Vishwa Guru (global teacher) is grounded in cooperation and moral strength, not dominance. “While some nations attempt to undermine international rules, India stands firm in upholding a rules-based global order inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of justice and harmony,” he said.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, in his welcome address, underscored India’s legacy in peacekeeping and the need for innovation, inclusivity, and interoperability. He highlighted India’s Aatmanirbhar defence initiatives as scalable solutions for global partners. The inaugural day was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, and senior military leaders from 32 troop-contributing countries. The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave, organised by the Indian Army, serves as a high-level platform to deliberate on operational challenges, evolving threats, and the role of technology and training in strengthening UN peacekeeping. Participating nations include Bangladesh, France, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, among others. The conclave reflects India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - “the world is one family” - and its enduring commitment to shaping a more cooperative and effective global peace architecture.
