UN Peacekeeping Mission

Recently, the External Affairs Minister has reiterated India’s commitment at the ‘Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South.

• India’s contribution: Currently, 5,000+ Indian peacekeepers are deployed in 9 of the 11 active missions.

o India offers training & capacity-building programs through the Centre for UN Peacekeeping, including women-specific courses (e.g., ASEAN 2023).

• About UN Peacekeeping Missions: The UN has no standing army, so member states voluntarily provide troops.

o Peacekeepers wear national uniforms but are identified by UN blue helmets, berets, and badges.

o Main tasks: Protect civilians, prevent conflict, reduce violence, strengthen security, & empower national authorities.

o Use of force: Allowed at tactical level with UNSC authorization, mainly for self-defence & mandate protection.

o They help host nations build resilience & address root causes of conflict.

o Started in 1948 when the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East.