India’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations

Context

India actively participates in UN peacekeeping operations, emphasizing dialogue, international relations, and cooperation as key pillars of its foreign policy.

About UN Peacekeeping

• UN Peacekeeping is a key mechanism utilized by the United Nations to maintain global peace and security. 
• It operates alongside different UN efforts, which includes warfare prevention, peacemaking, peace enforcement, and peacebuilding.
• The UN Peacekeepers, called Blue Helmets, get their name from the light blue of the United Nations flag. 

History of UN Peacekeeping

• UN Peacekeeping started out in 1948 with the established order of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) within the Middle East to screen ceasefires. 
• During the Cold War, missions remained confined because of geopolitical tensions, but the end of the Cold War within the Nineties noticed a good sized enlargement in both the number and scope of peacekeeping operations. 

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

• India’s UN peacekeeping position started out with the Korea operation in 1953.
• It has been a key contributor to global peace and security, with over 2,90,000 peacekeepers serving in more than 50 UN missions. 
• Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine energetic missions, running in tough situations to promote global peace.
• This commitment stems from India’s historical precept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the entire world is my family).

Women in Peacekeeping

• In 2022, women made up 7.9% of all uniformed personnel in field missions – up from just 1% in 1993.
• This included 5.9% in military contingents, 14.4% in police forces, and 43% in justice and corrections roles. Among civilian personnel, 30% had been women.
• Recognizing the need for more gender inclusivity, the UN has set formidable goals under its Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, aiming for 15% women in military contingents and 25% in police gadgets with the aid of 2028.
• Indian Contribution: India pioneered female peacekeeping with deployment of women medical officers to Congo in the 1960s.
• In 2007, India deployed the first-ever all-woman Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia.
• As of February 2025, India maintains this legacy with over 150 women peacekeepers serving throughout six vital missions, such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Western Sahara, and Abyei.

Achievements of India

• In 2023, India obtained the UN’s most peacekeeping honour, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, posthumously offered to Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi and civilian UN worker Shaber Taher Ali.
• Major Radhika Sen has been named the “Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023” by the UN Headquarters.
• India’s Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), mounted through the Indian Army in New Delhi, serves as the nation’s focal factor for UN peacekeeping schooling.
• In February 2025, CUNPK hosted the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’ at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

Conclusion

• India’s role in UN peacekeeping reflects its deep commitment to international peace, security, and multilateralism. 
• From its early involvement in the Korean War to its ongoing deployments in warfare zones worldwide, India has consistently upheld the concepts of the UN Charter.

Source: The PIB

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council. (2015)

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