At the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin, 74 UN member states pledged to improve the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations amid global challenges.
India pledged:
- Deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
- One male armed police unit (CRPF/mixed).
- A women-led police unit.
- Other operational enablers in support of UN Peacekeeping mandates.
About UN Peacekeeping
- Established: The first UN peacekeeping mission—UNTSO—was created in May 1948 in the Middle East.
- Mandate: Support ceasefires, peace agreements, protect civilians, and assist post-conflict reconstruction.
- Authority: Missions are authorized by the UN Security Council.
- Peacekeepers are known as Blue Helmets, symbolizing the UN flag and peace.
India and UN Peacekeeping:
- India ranks 4th among troop-contributing countries with 5,375 personnel, after: Nepal, Rwanda, Bangladesh
- India has contributed over 2,75,000 troops to 50+ UN missions since 1948.
- India was the first country to deploy an all-female police unit to Liberia in 2007.
- Highest fatalities: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in action, the highest for any single country.
Current Status of UN Peacekeeping (as of 2024-25)
- 11 active missions globally.
- Over 61,000 uniformed personnel (military and police) from 119 countries.
- More than 7,000 civilian staff, including local and international experts.
Significance of India’s Role
- Moral and Strategic Leadership: India consistently advocates for fair representation of developing nations in decision-making.
- Gender Inclusion: India leads in deploying female peacekeepers, promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding.
- Capacity Building: India conducts training programs at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi.
India’s Demands and Vision
- Greater say in decision-making—India seeks a permanent seat in UNSC, arguing for alignment between contributors and controllers.
- Technology and Training: Advocates for tech-driven, agile missions, with better intelligence, communication, and mobility tools.
- Gender equity in field operations and leadership roles.
India remains a pillar of global peacekeeping, balancing tradition with forward-looking commitments like QRF and women-led units. Strengthening UNPK through innovation, inclusivity, and fairness is essential for global peace and security.
