Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday highlighted the country’s longstanding contributions to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, saying they reflect India’s civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam” — the world is one family.
Speaking at the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UN TCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Dwivedi said India’s participation in peacekeeping also embodies the principle of “Vishwa Bandhu” — India as a friend to all.
“Today, this conference builds on that same spirit, as we welcome the leadership of 32 troop-contributing nations, who together provide nearly two-thirds of all peacekeepers deployed worldwide,” he said.
Dwivedi highlighted that India has contributed around 300,000 personnel across 51 UN missions out of 71 total missions. “While our troops have served with unflinching resolve, we have also gained invaluable experience, which we are always willing to share,” he said.
The Army Chief added that hosting the conference in India is “not only a privilege but also a reaffirmation of our shared determination to strengthen cooperation and carry forward the noble mission of global peace.”
Dwivedi highlighted modern peacekeeping challenges, citing more than 56 active conflicts globally, the rise of disruptive technologies, hybrid warfare, and the growing role of non-state actors.
“A peacekeeper, apart from being a security provider, is a diplomat, a technology enthusiast, a nation-builder in far-flung areas, and may also be the only channel for the flow of information in conflict zones,” he said.
Stressing the need to integrate advanced technology, enhance rapid deployment, and foster interoperability among troop-contributing countries, he said that collaborative training and resource management will be essential.
Dwivedi reaffirmed India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping and said the country is ready to share indigenous equipment and adopt best practices from other nations.
(with agency input)
