INDIA’S ROLE IN UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS

GS3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

UN Peacekeeping Overview

• Established in 1948 to maintain or restore international peace.
• Operates on principles of consent, impartiality, and limited force for self-defense.
• Involves about 100,000 personnel from 125 countries in active missions today.

India’s Contributions

• Largest cumulative contributor, with over 253,000 troops deployed across 49 missions.
• Indian peacekeepers provide technical expertise, medical assistance, and logistical support.
• Specialized units like helicopters and engineering teams enhance mission capabilities.
• The Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi has trained over 67,000 personnel, focusing on areas like preventing sexual exploitation.

Key Challenges in Peacekeeping

• Power politics and resource constraints limit effectiveness.
• Evolving conflict dynamics complicate traditional strategies.
• Host state resistance, particularly in African nations, hampers operations.

Peacekeeping in Congo

• The UN mission MONUSCO has operated for over 20 years with 14,000 troops currently deployed.
• Recent clashes with M23 rebels in eastern DRC resulted in six peacekeeper deaths, including South African, Uruguayan, and Malawian personnel.

M23 Rebels and Regional Impact

• One of 100 armed groups in mineral-rich eastern Congo.
• Recently captured the strategic town of Sake, 27 km from Goma.
• Accused of exploiting geopolitical shifts for territorial gains.

Humanitarian Concerns

• The ongoing conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
• Threatens thousands of civilians, prompting international stabilization efforts.