Exploring the Role of UN Peacekeeping and India

UN Peacekeeping and India’s Role

What Is UN Peacekeeping

UN Peacekeeping is a vital tool used by the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. It supports conflict prevention, ceasefire monitoring, peace enforcement, and humanitarian assistance.

Difference Between Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Peacekeeping

- Involves the deployment of UN forces (military, police, and civilian) to conflict zones.

- Aims at stopping violence, monitoring ceasefires, and protecting civilians.

- Provides a secure environment for negotiations and humanitarian aid.

Example: Deployment of troops in South Sudan to protect civilians and ensure aid delivery.

Peacebuilding

- Goes beyond preventing violence; focuses on long-term stability.

- Involves strengthening governance, supporting elections, justice systems, and economic recovery.

- Addresses root causes of conflict such as inequality, weak institutions, and lack of trust.

Example: Assisting post-conflict societies like Rwanda in rebuilding governance and reconciliation.

In short: Peacekeeping = stabilizing conflicts; Peacebuilding = creating lasting peace.

What Peacekeeping Involves

• Facilitating political processes and negotiations.
• Protecting civilians in conflict zones.
• Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants.
• Supporting free and fair elections.
• Promoting human rights and governance reforms.

History of UN Peacekeeping

• 1948: First mission – UNTSO in the Middle East.
• Cold War: Limited due to geopolitical tensions.
• 1990s: Expansion after the Cold War with multidimensional mandates.
• 2000 Brahimi Report: Strengthened mandates, emphasized robust resources.
• Today: Focus on gender inclusion, civilian safety, and regional partnerships.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

Since the 1950s, India has sent more than 290,000 peacekeepers to over 50 missions.

Nearly 180 Indian soldiers have laid down their lives in these missions.

India remains among the largest troop contributors with over 5,000 personnel deployed currently.

The Nine Missions Where India Is Active Today

• UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) – Golan Heights: Logistics battalion of 188 personnel for security and logistics support.
• UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) – Lebanon: Infantry battalion group of 762 personnel and 18 staff officers.
• UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) – Middle East: Military observers and staff officers assist in monitoring ceasefires.
• UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) – Cyprus: Officers serve as staff and military observers.
• UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO): Infantry battalions, medical units, and support staff.
• UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS): Infantry battalion, medical teams, and engineering units.
• UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) – Abyei: Military observers and staff officers deployed.
• UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA): Formed Police Units (FPUs) and military observers.
• UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO): Military observers deployed.

Synopsis

Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are complementary but distinct. Peacekeeping halts immediate violence and maintains security, while peacebuilding establishes institutions, justice, and development for long-term peace. India, guided by its civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, has consistently supported UN efforts, with a proud history of personnel sacrifices and ongoing contributions in nine active missions.