India views peacekeeping as a vital tool for upholding international peace and security, with the participation of women enhancing its diversity and inclusivity, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Monday.
Speaking at the inaugural session of an India-hosted conference titled “Women Peacekeepers from the Global South,” Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to UN peacekeeping efforts while supporting Global South nations in strengthening their peacekeeping capabilities.
The event has gathered women peacekeepers from 35 countries to examine the evolving role of women in peacekeeping and discuss ways to boost their participation. It also seeks to reinforce women’s contributions to UN peacekeeping by fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and enhancing collaboration across the Global South.
“India strongly believes that peacekeeping is an effective instrument in the maintenance of international peace and security,” Jaishankar said.
“The participation of women in peace operations makes it more diverse and inclusive. It is essential that we continue to increase the representation of women in peacekeeping.”
He stated that discussions at the conference could play a key role in shaping the outcomes of the Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin and the Peacebuilding Architecture Review in New York later this year.
Jaishankar emphasized India's long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping, highlighting its significant contributions over the decades. “Since the 1950s, India has contributed over 290,000 peacekeepers across more than 50 missions. In fact, India remains the largest troop contributing country to this day,” he said.
He further mentioned that over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are currently serving in nine of the 11 active UN missions, and nearly 180 Indian personnel have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Jaishankar also underscored India’s leadership in deploying women peacekeepers from both the military and police since the 1960s, starting with Indian women serving as medical officers in Congo. In 2007, India became the first nation to send an all-women police unit to Liberia. Currently, more than 150 Indian women peacekeepers are deployed in missions across Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Western Sahara, and Abyei.
“This is not only a matter of quantity but equally of quality. Women peacekeepers often have unique access to local communities, acting as role models for women in conflict zones,” he said.
“Training courses tailored to include modules sensitising peacekeepers to issues related to women will enhance the effectiveness of peace operations,” he added.
Jaishankar also highlighted India's efforts in assisting Global South nations in strengthening their peacekeeping capabilities. He emphasized initiatives by the Centre for UN Peacekeeping, which provides training and capacity-building programs, including specialized courses for women peacekeepers.
“At the heart of our foreign policy lies a commitment to peacekeeping – rooted in dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation. Guided by the...belief that the world is one family, India will continue to contribute meaningfully to the cause of UN peacekeeping,” he said.
In his opening address, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, the vice chief of the army, conveyed profound gratitude for the outstanding dedication and service of women peacekeepers. “The women peacekeepers have broken the stereotypes, shattered barriers and risen above challenges to become leaders and protectors of their nation and also in the communities, where they have been engaged in for peacekeeping,” he said.
“As a key partner in the Global South, India brings forth a wealth of experience, resources and expertise to the table, contributing to the collective effort of developing nations,” he added.
The ministries of external affairs and defence, along with the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping, have organized the two-day conference.
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