UN Peacekeeping Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi: Strengthening Global Partnerships for Peace Operations
Introduction
New Delhi is hosting the Conclave of Chiefs of United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) — a significant multilateral event bringing together peacekeeping chiefs and representatives from 32 nations. Organised by the Indian Army, the three-day conclave underscores India’s long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping operations and its leadership in fostering global military cooperation for peace and stability.The event aims to address operational challenges, examine emerging threats, and facilitate experience sharing among the world’s leading troop-contributing nations.
I. Key Highlights of the Conclave
- Participating Nations:
- Chiefs or senior representatives from 32 troop-contributing countries (TCCs) are attending.
- Notable participants include Bhutan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
- Senior officials from countries such as Bangladesh, Brazil, Nepal, Egypt, Kenya, Italy, and Australia are also present.
- Agenda and Objectives:
- To deliberate on operational challenges faced by peacekeepers in conflict zones.
- To share best practices for improved coordination and capacity building.
- To develop a shared understanding of future peacekeeping requirements in line with evolving geopolitical and technological contexts.
- High-Level Participation:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver the inaugural address, highlighting India’s vision for effective and ethical peacekeeping.
- The forum will include bilateral and multilateral engagements, defence exhibitions, and cultural exchange programmes aimed at strengthening camaraderie among TCCs.
II. India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping
India remains one of the largest and most respected contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.Key Contributions:
- Over 275,000 Indian troops have served in 49 UN missions since 1948.
- India was among the first nations to send female contingents, reinforcing gender equality in peace operations.
- Indian peacekeepers have earned global recognition for professionalism and humanitarian engagement in Congo, Sudan, Lebanon, and South Sudan.
Strategic Objectives:
- Strengthen India’s multilateral defence diplomacy.
- Advocate for capacity building, technological modernisation, and inclusive leadership in UN peacekeeping.
- Reinforce India’s image as a responsible global actor committed to the UN Charter’s principles of peace, sovereignty, and human rights.
III. Thematic Focus Areas
- Operational Effectiveness and Evolving Threats:
- Discussion on asymmetric warfare, hybrid threats, and the use of advanced surveillance technologies in modern conflict zones.
- Training and Capacity Building:
- Enhancing pre-deployment training, situational awareness, and interoperability among troops from different national forces.
- Protection of Civilians:
- Strengthening measures to safeguard civilians, especially women and children, during UN missions.
- Gender Inclusion in Peacekeeping:
- Promoting the role of women peacekeepers, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).
- Sustainability and Logistics:
- Discussions on reducing environmental impact and improving logistical coordination in mission areas.
IV. Significance for India
- Diplomatic and Strategic Leadership:
Hosting the conclave positions India as a thought leader in peace operations, capable of shaping future UN reforms on peacekeeping mandates and operational structures. - Enhancing South-South Cooperation:
The participation of developing countries, particularly from Africa and Asia, highlights the shared commitment of the Global South toward global peacebuilding. - Capacity Building and Defence Diplomacy:
The conclave strengthens military-to-military cooperation, enabling joint training programmes and knowledge exchange. - Alignment with India’s Vision of Global Peace:
India advocates for a reformed multilateral order, where peacekeeping reflects democratic values, equitable burden-sharing, and local empowerment.
V. Global and Institutional Context
UN peacekeeping faces multiple challenges, including funding constraints, political interference, and safety risks to personnel. According to recent UN data, over 4,000 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1948.The New Delhi conclave serves as a collective platform to:
- Reinforce commitment to the UN’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative.
- Integrate emerging technologies (AI, UAVs, communication systems) for improved mission efficiency.
- Strengthen mechanisms for accountability, training, and discipline in peace operations.
VI. Analytical Perspective
The conclave demonstrates how military diplomacy complements foreign policy, reinforcing India’s position as a bridge between the Global South and the developed world within the UN system.By leading discussions on future-ready peacekeeping, India is asserting that global peace requires shared responsibility, regional capacity building, and technology-driven adaptability.The focus on inclusivity, gender participation, and operational safety reflects a values-based approach, merging India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) with modern defence diplomacy.
VIII. Conclusion
The Conclave of UN Troop Contributing Chiefs in New Delhi represents more than a military dialogue — it is a strategic reaffirmation of India’s global peacekeeping vision. It provides a platform for collective introspection and innovation in peace operations amid an evolving security landscape.As UN peacekeeping adapts to new realities, India’s leadership — grounded in credibility, experience, and moral authority — ensures that peace remains not just a mandate but a shared mission of the international community.
Updated - October 13, 2025 8:39 PM | News On Air