Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the inaugural session of the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, emphasised that global peace can only be sustained through enhanced Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building, the 4C formula. Singh warned that nations openly violating international laws and attempting to dominate global structures threaten both world stability and the credibility of peacekeeping operations. He highlighted the growing disregard for international norms, where some countries create unilateral rules, intervene in sovereign affairs, or manipulate global institutions, eroding trust among member states and weakening the United Nations.
Singh stated that India, while advocating reforms to outdated international structures, remains committed to upholding a rules-based international order. Drawing on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, he described peace not merely as the absence of conflict but as a positive state encompassing justice, harmony, and moral strength. He cautioned that without comprehensive reforms, multilateral institutions like the UN face a crisis of confidence, and stressed that a reformed global order must reflect contemporary realities, give voice to all stakeholders, address modern challenges, and prioritise human welfare.
Highlighting the evolving nature of UN peacekeeping, Singh pointed to the complex and dangerous environments faced by personnel today, including asymmetric warfare, terrorism, fragile political settlements, humanitarian crises, pandemics, and disinformation campaigns. He urged technologically and financially advanced nations to provide greater support to peacekeeping missions through logistics, technology, and capacity-building, stressing that innovations such as secure communications, surveillance systems, and unmanned platforms can enhance both safety and effectiveness.
Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s longstanding commitment to global peace, noting that nearly 2,90,000 Indian personnel have served in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, from Congo and Korea to South Sudan and Lebanon. He praised Indian soldiers, police, and medical teams for working alongside the international community to protect vulnerable populations and rebuild societies, emphasising India’s willingness to share expertise and support reforms to make peacekeeping more accountable and efficient.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the role of the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, which has trained participants from more than 90 countries, fostering interoperability and mutual understanding among global forces. Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, India has developed cost-effective indigenous technologies, including mobility platforms, UAVs, surveillance systems, and medical support infrastructure, designed to strengthen mission effectiveness.
Singh further lauded the growing participation of women in UN peacekeeping, citing India’s pioneering all-women Formed Police Unit deployed to Liberia in 2007 as a global symbol of empowerment. Today, Indian women officers serve in South Sudan, Golan Heights, and Lebanon, leading patrols, engaging with communities, and mentoring local women and youth. He also recalled an Indian woman officer receiving the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2024 for her service in Congo.
Indian medical peacekeepers, Singh noted, have been at the forefront of humanitarian service in conflict zones, treating thousands of civilians and soldiers in UN field hospitals under challenging conditions, reflecting humanity and compassion. Concluding his address, the Defence Minister reinforced that India’s vision of becoming a 'Vishwa Guru' is rooted in collaboration, peace, and shared progress, rather than dominance. He called upon all nations, especially influential ones, to act responsibly, respect international rules, and contribute meaningfully to sustaining peace. Singh concluded by asserting that the path forward lies in collective commitment, ethical leadership, and a renewed multilateral order that serves humanity.
