India has called on the United Nations (UN) to strengthen its peacekeeping operations by providing deployed personnel with better protection, adequate resources and modern technology. The appeal was made during the annual debate on the comprehensive review of UN peacekeeping operations at the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee. India’s Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission to the UN, Colonel Tarunendra Pratap Singh, highlighted the country’s longstanding contribution to international peace and security.
During his statement, Singh said that India has deployed more than 300,000 military personnel across 50 UN peacekeeping missions. He also paid tribute to the 184 Indian peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving under the United Nations flag.
India emphasised that peacekeeping personnel often operate in dangerous environments and face growing security challenges, including armed attacks and technology-enabled threats. It called for stronger protection measures and adequate operational support to ensure that peacekeepers can carry out their responsibilities safely and effectively.
The country also stressed the need for sufficient funding, modern equipment and clearly defined responsibilities for UN missions. India maintained that peacekeepers should not be given additional tasks without the necessary resources and capabilities. It further called for strict accountability for attacks against UN personnel, reaffirming its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2589, which addresses accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers.
India also urged the United Nations to give troop- and police-contributing countries a stronger role in decision-making. It said countries providing personnel should be consulted before peacekeeping mandates are adopted or changed, as their operational experience and field-level requirements are important for mission planning.
The Indian representative highlighted the importance of modern technology and renewable energy in improving peacekeeping operations. India also supported the UNITE AWARE initiative, which aims to strengthen situational awareness and operational capabilities through technology.
Women’s participation in peacekeeping was another important point. India has been deploying women peacekeepers since 1960 and sent the first-ever all-female Formed Police Unit to Liberia in 2007. Currently, 160 Indian women peacekeepers are serving in different UN missions.
India reiterated its commitment to strengthening international peacekeeping and said the issue would remain a priority during its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term. It called for a more effective, adequately funded and better-protected UN peacekeeping framework.