India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Missions

February 27, 2025

India has long been contributor to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Global South nations in enhancing their peacekeeping capacities. This commitment includes training and capacity-building initiatives, particularly for women peacekeepers. India’s extensive involvement in peacekeeping reflects its dedication to maintaining international peace and security.

About UN Peacekeeping Missions

UN peacekeeping missions are operations where member states voluntarily provide military and police personnel. These forces operate under the UN flag, wearing their national uniforms along with UN identifiers. Their primary roles include protecting civilians, preventing conflicts, and empowering local authorities. They are allowed to use force only in self-defence or to fulfil their mandate, and typically as a last resort.

History of UN Peacekeeping Operations

Since 1948, over 71 peacekeeping missions have been launched. The first mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), was established to monitor the armistice between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Today, more than 100,000 personnel from 125 countries serve in 14 active peacekeeping operations.

Funding and Contributions

Funding for UN peacekeeping missions is a collective responsibility of all member states, with the UN Security Council overseeing operations. The largest contributors are the United States and China, providing 26.95% and 18.69% of the budget, respectively. India contributes about 0.2088%. Countries that send troops are reimbursed by the UN at a standard rate per soldier per month.

India’s Contributions to Peacekeeping

India has deployed over 290,000 peacekeepers in various missions since the 1950s. Currently, around 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are active in nine of the eleven ongoing missions. India’s participation is believed to enhance its standing in the international community and strengthen its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite India’s contributions, the efficacy of peacekeeping missions faces scrutiny. Critics argue that the distribution of troops often reflects national interests rather than genuine conflict resolution efforts. Moreover, the high costs of these missions and the loss of personnel—179 Indian peacekeepers have died in service—raise questions about their overall effectiveness.

Future of Peacekeeping Missions

The future of UN peacekeeping will likely depend on the willingness of member states to reform and adapt. This includes addressing issues of troop contributions and financing. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics will also influence how peacekeeping missions evolve in response to global conflicts.

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