India has been a consistent participant in United Nations peacekeeping operations, contributing personnel and resources to support global security efforts. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has said that India’s foreign policy prioritizes peacekeeping through dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation. He emphasized that India remains committed to contributing meaningfully to UN peacekeeping in line with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which underscores the belief that the world is one family.
UN peacekeeping serves as a vital mechanism for maintaining global security, encompassing efforts such as facilitating political processes, protecting civilians, disarmament, and ensuring human rights. Modern peacekeeping has evolved into a multidimensional endeavor, integrating military, political, and humanitarian efforts.
Since its first deployment in 1953 during the Korean Peninsula mission, India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. Over 290,000 Indian personnel have served in more than 50 missions, and currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine active operations. These include missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, Congo, Cyprus, and the Golan Heights.
These deployments include infantry battalions, medical units, engineering contingents, military observers, and police units. The commitment of Indian peacekeepers has been recognized time and again, with many having made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In 2023, the UN posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to Indian peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving in the Congo, a testament to their dedication and courage.
Beyond deployment, India has also played a vital role in training and capacity-building initiatives for peacekeepers. The Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in India trains over 12,000 troops annually and provides specialized courses for both Indian and international personnel.
India has also emerged as a global leader in promoting gender equality within peacekeeping operations. Despite women comprising less than 10 percent of the UN’s 70,000 uniformed peacekeepers, India has been at the forefront of increasing female participation. In 2007, it became the first country to deploy an all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Liberia, setting a precedent for gender inclusion in peacekeeping missions.
Today, over 150 Indian women peacekeepers serve in key missions across Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, and other conflict zones, playing a crucial role in fostering peace and security. Their presence has significantly enhanced engagement with local communities, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations and advancing peacebuilding efforts.
Recognition for India’s female peacekeepers has also been growing on the global stage. Major Radhika Sen was honored as the UN’s Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023 for her contributions to promoting gender-sensitive approaches in peacekeeping. India continues to advocate for greater gender parity in military and police deployments, with its women peacekeepers playing an instrumental role in preventing sexual violence, building trust, and empowering women and girls in conflict-ridden areas.
India’s commitment to peacekeeping extends beyond personnel contributions. The country has provided state-of-the-art, indigenously manufactured equipment and technology to UN missions, enhancing operational efficiency in challenging environments. This technological support has been instrumental in improving logistics, surveillance, and strategic deployment in conflict zones.
As a leader in global peacekeeping, India’s approach is deeply rooted in its principles of non-violence, cooperation, and collective security. Through its extensive contributions, India has set international benchmarks in peacekeeping operations, from training future peacekeepers to championing gender inclusivity. With its continued presence in missions worldwide, India remains steadfast in its commitment to global peace and stability, reinforcing its role as a key player in international conflict resolution.
