The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions while emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and adaptability in peace operations. Speaking during an Open Debate on Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations, Harish highlighted the increasing threats faced by peacekeepers, particularly from non-state actors, armed groups, and terrorist organizations operating in conflict zones.
He stressed that peacekeeping is not a zero-risk endeavor and called for decisive measures to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against peacekeepers. Harish underscored that as conflicts evolve and become more complex, UN peacekeeping missions must adapt to effectively tackle emerging security threats. He emphasized the need for peacekeeping missions to be well-funded, well-equipped, and technologically advanced to counter modern challenges.
Ambassador Harish advocated for the integration of advanced surveillance, communication systems, and data analytics into peacekeeping operations. He noted that such technological enhancements would improve situational awareness, enhance rapid response capabilities, and ultimately ensure the safety of peacekeepers. Highlighting India’s technological expertise, he stated that India stands ready to support UN peacekeeping missions by sharing its experience and capabilities in utilizing advanced technology.
India has long been a steadfast contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts and remains deeply committed to the principles of multilateralism and global peace. With a history of deploying nearly 300,000 troops across more than 50 missions, India has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability worldwide. As of September 2024, India ranks among the top troop-contributing nations, with 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, actively serving across 10 UN missions.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices made by UN peacekeepers, Harish honored the memory of over 4,000 personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, including 182 Indian peacekeepers. He called for the earliest completion of a dedicated Memorial Wall at the UN Headquarters in their honor, recognizing their invaluable service to global peace and security.
India’s call for increased accountability in peacekeeping missions aligns with its broader commitment to strengthening global security frameworks. As conflicts continue to evolve, India stresses that adaptability and technological integration will be key to enhancing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts.
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