New Delhi: Indian peacekeeping forces will not be deployed outside of United Nations-mandated missions, a senior Indian defence ministry official said Wednesday. European countries including Finnish President Alexander Stubb have in recent weeks been clamouring for India to play a greater role in bringing a pause to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Vishwesh Negi, joint secretary, International Cooperation in the Ministry of Defence, said at a press briefing on the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi, “The government of India is very clear. Peacekeeping forces will only be deployed through the UN, in particular, the United Nations Security Council. We are quite clear on that, and it is unlikely that we would see Indian peacekeeping forces deployed outside of the UN.”
Negi added, “India is taking the lead in pushing conversations on the role of UN Peacekeeping Forces today. The conclave will see chiefs from at least 30 countries in attendance, taking part in the dialogue.”
Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, the Deputy Chief of Armed Staff (DCOAS), who was also in attendance at the briefing Wednesday, said that India understands the “legitimacy of missions under the flag of the UN” and therefore would deploy troops only under its flag.
India has been one of the most prominent players in deploying peacekeeping troops for UN missions. From 14 to 16 October, New Delhi will host the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries’ (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave in an effort to bring together senior military leadership of over 30 nations that are key contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
The conclave will focus on fostering common understanding with a collaborative approach to chart out the future trajectory of peacekeeping, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement Wednesday.
The various military chiefs will discuss strengthening peacekeeping cooperation, leveraging indigenous technology, championing inclusivity and equity, and demonstrating India as a collaborative and trusted partner for maintaining international peace.
Representatives and chiefs from nations such as Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are some of the expected participants.
In recent months, European leaders have spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Russia-Ukraine war that has been ongoing since February 2022. Last month, European leaders met in Paris, France, to discuss a possible “coalition” of the willing containing a multinational force that could maintain peace in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed any multinational peacekeeping force only if the conflict is paused. There have been suggestions by European leaders of a potential role for Indian peacekeepers to participate in such a force. Negi’s statement dispels any role for the same.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump announced his 20-point peace plan for ending the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas Monday. One of the points of the plan included a potential International Stabilisation Force (ISF) that Trump will negotiate with Arab states to be deployed as soon as possible to Gaza.
Negi went on to say that India is one of the few countries in the world that could collaborate with different nations on contributing to international peace and security across the globe.
”There are parameters by which we look at our participation in international organisations…As long as there is no biased agenda behind any cooperation…India may be willing to contribute to maintaining international peace and security,” Negi added.
”There are parameters by which we look at our participation in international organisations…As long as there is no biased agenda behind any cooperation…India may be willing to contribute,” Negi added when questioned on possible peacekeeping missions through other forums such as BRICS or the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Kapoor, while speaking on the country’s role in UN missions, highlighted that over 1600 pieces of indigenous weaponry are used by Indian peacekeepers.
“All our UN contingents are using majorly indigenous weapons. Over 1600 pieces of weapons have been used. Other countries are now interested in our weaponry, and we are keen to collaborate,” Kapoor said.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)
Absolutely the right decision. Recall the foresight of PM Vajpayeeji in declining to send a division of the Indian Army to Iraq.