While keeping in focus India's role in the UN peacekeeping operations, critically examine the practical difficulties and lacunae in peace keeping operations in current times. Make feasible suggestions for the improvement and development of India's role in UN peacekeeping.

India is the third largest contributor of  troops to UN peace keeping missions. India also sent forst all female unit to a UN peace keeping mission (Liberia). Indian peace keeping forces are more sought after for their neutrality, professionalism, efficiency and knowledge of English. Indian forces are currently active in Golan Heights, Haiti, Lebanon, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Congo and Sudan and South Sudan. 
Despite robust training, India forces face following difficulties in operations:

1. Inhospitable terrain and geography
2. Inadequate supply of material and equipment
3. Threat to life due to attack from warring factions
4. India does not much say in resolution of the conflict, which are dealt by UNSC

Suggestions to improve situation:

1. Soldiers must be supplied with adequate arms and equipment
2. Agreement with other countries, who are providing men in peace keeping operation, to provide equipment and material to Indian forces
3. In detail study and training of soldiers regarding genesis and development of conflict
4. Permanent seat at UNSC so that India can have more say in resolution of conflict.

India does have the right capabilities to become net security provider in conflict situations around the world due to a professional and disciplined army. India can and should leverage this potential and deal away with the lacunae at the earliest.