New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) India has been at the forefront of deploying women in peacekeeping roles, both military and police, with over 150 women peacekeepers deployed across six critical missions, including in the Congo, South Sudan and Lebanon, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said today.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South, titled ‘Women in Peacekeeping - A Global South Perspective’, the EAM said that India is proud of its contributions and association with UN peacekeeping, a commitment that spans 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. Currently, more than 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine of the 11 active missions, often in challenging and hostile environments, with a singular focus: the advancement of global peace and security.”
He said that India has unfortunately lost nearly 180 peacekeepers, “whose supreme sacrifices are etched in the history of our collective endeavors forever.”
“One such individual, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, posthumously honored with the Param Vir Chakra for his courage during the UN Mission in Congo, remains a beacon of inspiration. His is the singular case of this highest honor being awarded for operations conducted abroad,” he said..
EAM said India first began deploying women in peacekeeping roles in the 1960s, when Indian women, as medical officers, were deployed in Congo.
“In 2007, India was the first to deploy an all-women Formed Police Unit in Liberia—a pioneering initiative that had an indelible impact on both the host community and the broader UN framework. Over the years, this initiative empowered Liberian women, increasing their participation in security sectors.”
Indian women peacekeepers are deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Western Sahara, and Abyei.
“India has produced a multitude of exemplary women peacekeepers who have inspired others globally. Dr. Kiran Bedi, who served as the first woman UN Police Advisor, Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, recipients of the UN Military Gender Advocate Award in 2019 and 2023 respectively, and Ms. Seema Dhundia, who led the first all-women Formed Police Unit in Liberia—these are just a few who have blazed a trail for others to follow,” he added.
“India strongly believes that peacekeeping is an effective instrument in the maintenance of international peace and security. This year is of particular importance, as two significant events will take place: the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin and the Peacebuilding Architecture Review in New York. Discussions here today can play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of these processes.”
“India remains committed to supporting Global South nations in building their peacekeeping capacities. Through initiatives led by the Centre for UN Peacekeeping, India will continue to offer training and capacity-building programs, including courses specifically designed for women peacekeepers, as we did with ASEAN countries in 2023,” he added.
UNI RN