India emphasised at the UN Security Council that peacekeeping is not without risks. Indian Peacekeeping is not risk-free; those attacking must be punished. UNSC Ambassador of India to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, pointed out that peacekeepers often face threats from armed groups, terrorists and non-state actors. In today's world of complex conflicts, he stressed the need to hold those who attack peacekeepers accountable. He made these remarks during the UN Security Council's Open Debate on Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations on Monday.

"UN Peacekeepers today have to contend with the presence of non-state actors, armed groups, terrorists, as well as transnational criminal networks. Technological advancements have created new challenges in the form of mis-/dis-/mal-information and hate speech, new-age weapons, including drones, IEDs, etc. These are but a few new realities that peacekeepers are up against," Harish said. "Safety and security of peacekeepers must remain paramount. In an era marked by complex conflicts and asymmetric threats, we must ensure that those who risk their lives for peace are adequately protected and that perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers are brought to justice," he added. 

He emphasised that countries providing troops or police should focus on improving their personnel's skills to handle new challenges and work effectively in dangerous situations. "India is willing to curate and offer courses that address specific demands of modern peacekeeping at our Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), which has been training national and international peacekeepers for over two decades," added Harish. Harish highlighted the importance of using advanced surveillance, communication, and data analysis tools in peacekeeping operations to enhance awareness and quick response. He stated that India is willing to share its expertise in technology to support this effort. He also highlighted that tackling modern challenges in peacekeeping requires proper funding and resources. The resources should match the mission’s goals. "The current state of uncertainty over funding and the mandate-resource mismatch is neither sustainable nor comforting nor desirable, particularly for countries from the Global South who contribute the lion's share of troops."

Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the 'UN80 Initiative' to improve efficiency and reduce costs at the 80-year-old United Nations. He expressed concern over decreasing funds and a financial crisis in an unpredictable global environment. The UN General Assembly has approved a budget of $3.72 billion for 2025. The United States is the largest financial contributor, covering 22% of the regular budget and 27% of the peacekeeping budget. The United Nations has approved a budget of $5.6 billion for peacekeeping operations for the fiscal year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The United States is the largest contributor, covering 26.95% of the total funding. During his second term as U.S. President, Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from and stop funding certain UN organisations. India is among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, serving across 10 missions as of September 2024.

India has also made the greatest sacrifice in peacekeeping efforts, with nearly 180 Indian personnel losing their lives in the line of duty—more than any other troop-contributing country. Harish said that peace operations can only adapt to new challenges if the countries providing troops and police are involved in shaping the mission's mandate at every stage. He also emphasised that streamlining peacekeeping missions is crucial for using resources effectively. "Redundant missions that continue on political life support without operational rationale only for propaganda purposes, divert resources from urgently required peacekeeping missions and undermine the credibility of the UN." Furthermore, he stated that peacekeeping missions cannot continue indefinitely. "Missions need to have viable transition plans and exit strategies that ensure that the peace sustains." Harish emphasised that all peacebuilding efforts and activities should be guided by the key principle of national ownership.

"We encourage greater coherence and coordination between Resident Coordinators and the UN entities to support the national peacebuilding priorities of the Host States by peace operations, including during the mission transition,” India emphasised that updating peace operations to match current challenges also means increasing the number and impact of women peacekeepers. In February, Harish informed the Council that India hosted the first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South. This event brought together representatives from 35 countries that contribute troops or police to discuss this important issue. "It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping. Rather, it is about whether peacekeeping can do without women." He said that peacekeeping alone cannot resolve conflicts and added that lasting peace is possible only when peacekeeping efforts are supported by political solutions. 

"These can only emerge when there is coherence within the UN Security Council. It is, thus, imperative to reform the UNSC in both categories to make it more reflective and representative of current geopolitical realities." Harish emphasised that India is strongly dedicated to multilateralism and global peace. The country has been a reliable partner of the United Nations in its peacekeeping missions, having sent nearly 300,000 troops to more than 50 operations so far. He also paid tribute to the over 4,000 UN peacekeepers, including 182 Indians, who have lost their lives while serving for peace. Harish urged the swift completion of a Memorial Wall to honour their sacrifice.