Introduction
The
United Nations (UN) continues to perform an essential function in preserving
world peace and security because this globe is entangled in complex conflicts -
and at the same time - instability is on the rise. The UN uses Peacekeeping as
a tool to ensure peace in war-torn areas where they deploy their personnel for
purposes that include post-war reconstruction, safekeeping civilians after
conflicts, and monitoring ceasefires. India's participation in international
peacekeeping missions started shortly after gaining independence in 1950 when
it sent its first contingent to Korea. This initially consisted of paramedical unit
and subsequently custodial staff whose role was to provide medical support and
assist in evacuation as well as guard prisoners, respectively. Following the
ceasefire, India assumed the chairmanship of the Neutral Nations Repatriation
Commission. Since then, India has participated in 49 out of the 71 UN
peacekeeping operations conducted worldwide[i]. As a founding member of the UN, India has provided over 300,000
troops to various missions till date.
India
is no longer just a country that assists in providing health care. It is
instead a significant force in engineering, plays a military role and ensures
important civil security. When Congo had difficulty in the ‘60s, Indian soldiers
played a significant role in pacification and facilitating the talks of wrong
blood parties[ii].
This track record of remarkable achievements is still there today, emphasising
its position as a dependable partner committed to global peace. Furthermore,
creative approaches like establishing the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping
(CUNPK) in New Delhi underscores India’s commitment to strengthening
international peacekeeping operations via training. The centre provides
specialised training to about 13000 personnel annually drawn from different
countries globally, including India. There is a strong focus on training in
promoting international cooperation in peacekeeping efforts so that the
peacekeepers are prepared to face difficult situations. India’s commitment
towards peaceful conflict resolution, community development and humanitarian
relief matches the shifting goals of UN peacekeeping deployments with a
particular focus on non-state actors and regional conflicts, which are
increasingly common.
Historical Background[iii]
India’s engagement has shifted dramatically since it
joined UN peacekeeping mission’s years after gaining independence in 1950. Its
initial contributions were driven by a commitment to UN values, an act that has
seen it become one of the longest-serving participants in global peacekeeping
efforts. Some significant tasks that underscore the progress of Indian
involvement in maintaining international peace include:
- Middle East (1956–1967). Indian infantry battalions served with the UN Emergency
Force (UNEF I), which was established in 1956 to maintain peace in the
aftermath of the Suez Crisis.
- Cambodia (1992–93). Indian soldiers participated in the country's first
General Election (conducted freely and fairly). They were part of the United
Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), which was playing a role in
the decline of the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Somalia (1992–1995). Despite tough operational challenges, India ensured safe
food distribution and facilitated humanitarian assistance during a devastating
famine.
- Rwanda (1993–1994). Before the genocide, they had Indian troops deployed there
who helped ensure peacekeeping and provided essential help to refugees.
- Angola (1989-1999). Besides an
Infantry Battalion group and an engineer company, India contributed number of
military observers and Staff Officers, in various phases of UN Angola Verification
Mission (UNAVEM). Indian troops contributed immensely in success of this
mission.
-
Sierra Leone (1999–2005). Disarming rebel groups and protecting civilians during the
war was a crucial responsibility of Indian soldiers.
-
Liberia (2003–18). The first all female Formed Police Unit (FPU) from India
played a significant role in building confident communities and ensuring
security.
These missions serve as a testament to India's dedication
to maintaining global peace and security and show how its contributions have
changed over time. India has always adjusted to the shifting nature of
international wars and peacekeeping requirements, from providing early medical
help to taking on entire peacekeeping tasks. This development highlights
India's standing as a dependable and creative UN peacekeeping partner.
India’s Traditional Approach to
Peacekeeping
India has traditionally been content with the UN peacekeeping
strategy of monitoring and separation and use of force of deterrence
(Krishnasamy, 2010)[iv]. Early
on, Indian peacekeepers looked to monitor ceasefires and deconflict buffering
zones to keep the fighting parties away from each other and create an atmosphere
conducive to negotiations. It was a way to appease resentments, which
frequently turned lengthy deployments into an end rather than a beginning to
service adjustments. The coercion strategy focuses on the size of forces and
the threat of force to prevent unrest. India has played a significant role in
that model, seeking to deter violence by projecting a large military.
Nonetheless, this mostly missed the point regarding political and social
solutions and did not generate sustainable peace.
Faced with these constraints, India started arguing for
change in peacekeeping. Methodologies used in the past could not account for
local cultural and historical contexts. Understanding particular local
histories and observations became more critical due to India's experience and
cultural diversity. Furthermore, India has started to utilise technology to
beef up peacekeeping. Each spans a range of solutions that leverage
surveillance, communication systems and data analytics to enhance situational
awareness and operational efficiency. Secondly, India seeks to develop more
understandable and sustainable solutions rooted in local knowledge and
integrated with technological advancements, solutions, like R2P (Responsibility
to Protect) itself, focus on addressing the root causes of conflict rather than
their symptoms.
Recent Contributions and Innovations[v]
India still ranks highly among some nations offering
military service to UN peacekeeping operations. It helps maintain world order and
prevents wars. Indian troops have moved from the usual services to new ways of
solving modern peacekeeping issues. Indian
troops in South Sudan have established medical camps and provided vital medical
care to both people and animals in addition to upholding security. India's
knowledge of the interdependence of health, stability, and peace is
demonstrated by its all-encompassing approach to conflict resolution.
Technology plays an increasingly vital role in India's
peacekeeping strategy. Indian engineers have introduced mobile Bailey bridges
to improve transportation and logistics in conflict zones, facilitating the
movement of people and goods. Acknowledging the increasing risk of cyberattacks
in conflict areas, India has put up a novel proposal that seeks to create a
framework for member-state collaboration in addressing cyber risks in
peacekeeping operations. This proactive strategy shows India's understanding of
how warfare is changing and its dedication to taking on new challenges in the
field of peacekeeping.
India's influence goes beyond its military strength. The
introduction of India's first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Liberia in
2007 demonstrated the country's commitment to gender equality and social
inclusion[vi].
These female peacekeepers motivated local women and girls, monitored
marketplaces, and fostered trust throughout the community.
India is dedicated to fostering communication and peace
among the society. Establishing long-lasting peace and averting the recurrence
of war need this people-first strategy. It is a key player in determining the
direction of UN peacekeeping missions by fusing military might with
humanitarian endeavours and creative solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities[vii]
In a climate of escalating violence in war zones, numerous
challenges have plagued UN peacekeeping, and there are now calls, including
from India, for a review of the peacekeeping strategy of the Security Council.
·
Unclear Mandates. UN peacekeeping operations frequently face resource
shortages and ambiguous mandates. This might result in "mission
creep", a situation where the mission's initial parameters are not met,
putting Indian troops at risk and increasing discontent. For example, despite
having a sizable force presence, the South Sudan mission (UNMISS) has come
under fire for failing to protect people.
·
Justice for Crimes Against Peacekeepers. Growing terrorist organisations and assaults on peacekeepers have
raised the stakes in terms of security. These kinds of attacks have been
directed at Indian peacekeepers, and protecting them is a top priority. To
address impunity for such atrocities, Ruchira Kamboj (permanent representative
of India to the UN) urged the Council to press host countries to put Resolution
2589 of 2021 (focuses on protecting peacekeepers) into action, highlighting the
necessity of ensuring justice for peacekeepers who have lost their lives in
conflict.
·
Political Tensions. Some African countries, where a large number of Indian
troops are stationed, are concerned about possible neo-colonialism and Western
powers' domination in the field of peacekeeping. India must consider these
concerns and make sure that, despite its significant contributions, its
position aligns with African interests.
·
Lack of Influence. India's ability to influence peacekeeping missions is
restricted due to its status as a non-permanent member of the UN Security
Council. This can be problematic since India could be sent on missions with
ambiguous objectives or little funding.
Exploratory Opportunities
India is still dedicated to peacekeeping despite these
obstacles. Here are a few potential future scenarios:
·
Better Training. India can concentrate on preparing its troops for the
novel difficulties of intricate operations. This might entail protecting
civilians, handling internal problems, and receiving counterterrorism training.
·
Pushing for Reform. India may push for changes within the UN to guarantee
sufficient funding, establish clear mandates, and give nations that provide
troops a greater voice in decision-making.
·
Innovating with Technology. India might investigate the use
of drones and other technology developments to increase situational awareness
and the efficacy of peacekeeping.
·
Emphasise regional cooperation. India may collaborate with African countries more closely to
address their security concerns and ensure peacekeeping operations suit their
requirements. Fostering Partnership: Collaborative efforts facilitate the
sharing of resources and expertise, fostering mutual understanding and
cooperation and improving the efficacy of UN missions in tackling intricate
global issues.
Recommendations:
-
Advocate
for UN reforms for peacekeeping missions to have stronger mandates and better
resources.
-
Campaign
for greater influence when it comes to decisions in UN peacekeeping missions to
have a greater say in Security Council deliberations related to peacekeeping
operations.
-
Maintain
and expand investments in and use of advanced technologies, including drones,
surveillance systems and data analytics, to increase situational awareness and
operational efficiencies in peacekeeping missions.
-
Support
and get involved in regional security initiatives that will establish a stable peace
in the medium/long term.
-
Strategise
how to counter terrorism threats against peacekeepers and local populations.
Conclusion:
India's
path in UN peacekeeping, from tradition to innovation, demonstrates its
steadfast dedication to international peace and security. India has continuously
adjusted to the dynamics of global warfare, from its early efforts in Korea to
its contemporary employment of advanced technology and promotion of gender
equality. India is establishing itself as a critical player in the future of UN
peacekeeping missions by leading with a combination of military strength,
humanitarian initiatives, and creative solutions.
Endnote
[i] The United Nations, India: A long and deep tradition of contributing to UN peacekeeping,
UN News,
3 August 2018, 29 May 2024.
https://news.un.org/en/gallery/541602
[ii] Sanjib Kr
Baruah, India Biggest Contributor of Personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Mission,
The Week, 29 May 2024, 30th May 2024.
[iii] INDIA AND
UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING AND PEACEBUILDING,
The Permanent Mission of India to the UN, 29 May 2024.
https://www.pminewyork.gov.in/pdf/menu/49151pkeeping.pdf
[iv] Krishnasamy, K, A Case for India’s ‘Leadership’ in United
Nations Peacekeeping. Research Gate, April 2010, May 30 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254108502_A_Case_for_India's_'Leadership'_in_United_Nations_Peacekeeping
[v] Mandar Apte, Leveraging India’s Wisdom for Transforming UN
Peacekeeping, ORF, 29 May 2024, 31st May 2024.
https://www.orfonline.org/research/leveraging-india-s-wisdom-for-transforming-un-peacekeeping
[vi] India: Female
troops take on UN peacekeeping missions, The
Wire,
8 March 2022, 31st
May 2024.
https://thewire.in/women/india-female-troops-take-on-un-peacekeeping-missions
[vii] India
supports comprehensive reform of UNSC across all five clusters...: Ruchira
Kamboj, The Economic
Times, 17th February 2024, 30th May 2024.
Kompal Zinta is a fourth-year International Relations major at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) in Pune, pursuing double minors in Political Science and Law. She is currently a research intern at USI under the UN Cell.
Article uploaded on 03-06-2024
Disclaimer : The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the organisation that he/she belongs to or of the USI of India.