India has announced that strengthening peacekeeping operations is one of its key priorities in its candidacy for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and has reiterated its commitment to enhancing peacekeeping operations and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
Commitment to Peacekeeping Operations
Colonel Tarunendra Pratap Singh, military advisor to the Indian mission at the United Nations, stated: "As we consider peacekeeping operations indispensable to the main objective of this institution, India has identified it as a priority for its candidacy for the Security Council for the 2028-29 term." Elections for the Security Council seat will be held next year.
India's Historical Background in Peacekeeping Operations
Singh further highlighted India's historical contribution in this area, stating: "India has deployed over 300,000 personnel in 50 missions, making it the largest contributor of peacekeeping forces." He also referred to India's leadership in ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and responding to attacks against them during the annual discussions on comprehensive reviews of peacekeeping operations held in the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly.
During India's presidency of the Security Council in August 2021, Singh noted that the country was a pioneer in the adoption of a resolution in the Security Council to establish accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, adding that New Delhi will continue its leadership in this regard.
He described targeted attacks on peacekeepers as a "major challenge" for UN operations and urged all countries to promote "accountability for killings and all violent actions against UN personnel serving in peacekeeping operations."
Considering the modern operational environment, Singh emphasized that "UN blue helmets today face asymmetric threats and advanced technologies and must respond to those who attack peacekeepers."
He also stressed the importance of the security of peacekeepers, stating: "India considers the safety and security of peacekeepers as one of the most important aspects of peacekeeping operations" and reminded that 184 Indian forces have lost their lives serving in UN missions.
Additionally, Singh called on troop and police-contributing countries to play a significant role in shaping missions mandated by the Security Council and emphasized the need for an institutional mechanism to consult with contributing countries before the approval or revision of any mission.
He added: "Missions will be more successful when supported by a broader political process with clear political outcomes and adequate resources for peacekeepers" and continued: "We must ensure that resources and capabilities are increased at the time of mission approval."
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