India remains dedicated to enhancing global peacekeeping efforts, particularly by supporting nations in the Global South, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Monday. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South, he emphasised India’s firm belief in peacekeeping as a vital tool for maintaining international peace and security.

India’s Role in Global Peacekeeping

Addressing an audience of peacekeeping personnel and international representatives, Jaishankar highlighted India’s long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions. He reaffirmed India’s ongoing efforts to build peacekeeping capacities in developing nations, particularly through initiatives spearheaded by the Centre for UN Peacekeeping.

“India remains committed to supporting Global South nations in strengthening their peacekeeping capabilities. Through training and capacity-building programs, including specialised courses for women peacekeepers, we will continue to contribute to global peace efforts. Last year, we conducted similar training programs for ASEAN countries,” he noted.

The two-day conference, organised to commemorate the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, brought together female peacekeepers from 35 countries. The discussions focused on the evolving role of women in peacekeeping and explored strategies to enhance their participation in future missions.

Upcoming International Peacekeeping Events

Jaishankar also pointed to two major global events scheduled for this year—the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin on May 13-14 and the Peacebuilding Architecture Review in New York. He expressed confidence that discussions at the conference would play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of these international forums.

“India strongly believes that peacekeeping remains an effective instrument in maintaining international peace and security. The insights shared today will contribute significantly to these global discussions,” he said.

Women in Peacekeeping: India’s Leadership

Jaishankar underscored India’s pioneering role in deploying women peacekeepers, which he said has made peacekeeping operations more diverse and inclusive. He stressed the importance of increasing female representation in these missions, not just in numbers but also in terms of leadership roles.

“The participation of women in peace operations is crucial. Women peacekeepers have unique access to local communities and often serve as role models for women in conflict zones,” he stated.

He also honoured several Indian women peacekeepers who have set global benchmarks. Among them were Kiran Bedi, the first female UN Police Advisor, Major Suman Gawani, recipient of the UN Military Gender Advocate Award in 2019, Major Radhika Sen, who won the same award in 2023 and Seema Dhundia, who led the first all-women Formed Police Unit in Liberia.

India’s Decades-Long Peacekeeping Legacy

Jaishankar expressed India’s pride in its association with UN peacekeeping missions, a commitment that spans over seven decades. Since the 1950s, India has contributed over 290,000 peacekeepers across more than 50 missions, making it the largest Troop Contributing Country (TCC).

“Today, India continues this legacy with over 150 women peacekeepers deployed in six critical missions, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, the Golan Heights, Western Sahara and Abyei,” he said.

Indian Peacekeepers in Active Missions

Currently, more than 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are stationed in nine of the eleven active UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. These personnel operate in challenging environments, often under hostile conditions, with a singular focus on global peace and security.

Jaishankar concluded by reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to supporting UN peacekeeping efforts. “Our dedication to global peace and security is unwavering. India will continue to lead and support initiatives that promote stability, inclusion and international cooperation in peacekeeping operations,” he stated.