Today, the Indian Army marked the 75th International Day of UN Peacekeepers by honoring fallen comrades at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The Chief of the Army Staff, Vice Chief of Army Staff, representatives from the Navy and Air Force, Ministry of External Affairs, and United Nations paid tribute by laying wreaths. This day holds significance as it commemorates the start of the first UN peacekeeping mission, “UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO),” in Palestine in 1948.
Every year, on this day, the UN and countries worldwide pay homage to the professionalism, dedication, and bravery of all men and women who have served or are serving in UN Peacekeeping Missions. They also remember those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace. This year marks the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeepers Day.
India has a proud history of contributing to UN Peacekeeping operations and ranks among the largest troop contributors. With approximately 275,000 troops contributed thus far, India currently has around 5,900 troops deployed in 12 UN Missions. Indian Army personnel have displayed exceptional professionalism, compassion, courage, and valor in challenging terrains and under difficult conditions, even making the ultimate sacrifice to uphold UN mandates. To date, 159 Indian Army soldiers have laid down their lives in the pursuit of global peace. In addition to the current deployment, India has pledged an Infantry Battalion Group, a Corvette with Helicopter, an Engineer Company, and a Signal Company to be deployed under the UN’s direction.
Recognizing the importance of women peacekeepers in conflict areas under UN mandates, India has deployed Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in MONUSCO and UNISFA, making it the second-largest women contingent after Liberia. India has also deployed Women Military Police in UNDOF and women staff officers/military observers in various missions.
To support peacekeeping efforts, the Indian Army has established the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi. CUNPK provides specialized training in peacekeeping operations and trains over 12,000 troops annually. The center conducts a range of activities, including contingent training, national and international courses for potential peacekeepers and trainers, and sharing best practices through hosting foreign delegations. It also dispatches Mobile Training Teams to Friendly Foreign Countries to assist in capacity building. Over the years, CUNPK has become a Center of Excellence, accumulating valuable experience and best practices.
In order to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of Indian contingents in UN missions, the Indian Army employs state-of-the-art equipment and vehicles. These indigenous vehicles and equipment have proven their reliability in challenging terrain, adverse weather conditions, and operational environments.
India actively supports capacity development for the UN, host nations, and partner nations. It strives to assist UN initiatives by providing agile and flexible units, peacekeeper training, logistic support, promoting gender parity, and contributing to technological advancements. India continues to actively contribute to host nation capacity development through training, infrastructure development, and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.