SHUBHRA RANJAN
India and UN Peacekeeping
When did India irst participate in UN peacekeeping operations?
India irst participated in UN peacekeeping operations in 1950, during the Korean War, when
it provided medical assistance through the 60th Indian Field Ambulance.
How many Indian peacekeepers have served in UN missions?
As of recent data, over 250,000 Indian peacekeepers have served in UN missions, making
India one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
Which notable UN peacekeeping missions has India participated in?
India has participated in numerous notable missions, including:
- UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC) in the 1960s.
- UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
- UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
- UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(MONUSCO).
What roles do Indian peacekeepers typically perform?
Indian peacekeepers perform a variety of roles including:
- Infantry battalions providing security and stability.
- Medical and engineering units.
- Military observers and sta o icers.
- Police units training local law enforcement and maintaining order.
How has India contributed to the UN peacekeeping reform agenda?
India has been an advocate for comprehensive reform in UN peacekeeping, emphasising the
need for clear mandates, robust training, adequate resources, and better coordination
between UN missions and host nations. India has also pushed for more signi icant roles for
women in peacekeeping operations.
What is India's stance on the participation of women in peacekeeping?
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India supports increased participation of women in peacekeeping. In 2007, India deployed
the irst all-female Formed Police Unit to the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which was praised
for its professionalism and e ectiveness.
What challenges do Indian peacekeepers face in UN missions?
Indian peacekeepers face several challenges, including:
- Operating in hostile environments with limited resources.
- Navigating complex political landscapes.
- Dealing with issues of safety and security in con lict zones.
- Ensuring the protection of civilians in volatile regions.
How has India's participation in UN peacekeeping impacted its international relations?
India's active participation in UN peacekeeping has bolstered its image as a responsible
global actor committed to international peace and security. It has strengthened India's
diplomatic relations with many countries and enhanced its in luence within the UN.
What are some notable achievements of Indian peacekeepers?
Indian peacekeepers have been instrumental in several successes:
- Helping to stabilise con lict zones and facilitate humanitarian aid.
- Training local forces and aiding in reconstruction e orts.
- Contributing to the successful conduct of elections in post-con lict regions.
- Being recognised with UN Medals for their outstanding service and bravery.
What future plans does India have for its involvement in UN peacekeeping?
India plans to continue its robust participation in UN peacekeeping missions and is
committed to enhancing the e ectiveness of these missions. India advocates for a stronger,
more equitable representation in UN decision-making processes and supports reforms to
make peacekeeping more adaptive to modern challenges.
Have any Indian peacekeepers received individual honours for their service?
Yes, many Indian peacekeepers have received honors and recognition for their bravery and
service. This includes the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, awarded posthumously to personnel
who lose their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping operations.
How does India train its peacekeepers for UN missions?
India has established specialised training centres, such as the Centre for UN Peacekeeping
(CUNPK) in New Delhi, which provides comprehensive training to military, police, and civilian
personnel. The training includes simulations, understanding of UN protocols, and
preparations for the speci ic challenges of peacekeeping missions.
Indian Women in UN Peacekeeping
What recent recognition has an Indian female peacekeeper received?
Major Radhika Sen has been awarded the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of
the Year Award. Her e orts in promoting gender equality and creating safe spaces for both
men and women in peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
have been highly commendable. She worked from March 2023 to April 2024 and was
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particularly noted for her initiatives in educational sessions, vocational training, and gender-
sensitive peacekeeping e orts.
What signi icant milestone has the Indian Army achieved with its women peacekeepers?
The Indian Army has deployed its largest contingent of women peacekeepers to a UN
mission. This historic deployment includes a team of female engagement teams (FET) and
infantry battalion groups, tasked with joint patrols, humanitarian assistance, and data
collection. This initiative is part of India's ongoing commitment to increase the participation
of women in peacekeeping roles, exemplifying their role in ensuring gender-sensitive
peacekeeping operations
Why is the deployment of women peacekeepers signi icant?
Women peacekeepers play a crucial role in dealing with con licts where women and children
are most a ected. Their presence enhances communication with local women, assists during
humanitarian crises, and improves data collection. The UN aims for at least 19% of
peacekeeping roles to be illed by women, and India has exceeded this by deploying 21%
women o icers. This aligns with UNSC resolution 1325, which calls for greater involvement of
women in peacekeeping and peace-building e orts.
How has the Indian women's peacekeeping contingent impacted local communities?
The Indian women's peacekeeping units have signi icantly impacted local communities by
conducting educational sessions on women's health, gender equality, and vocational training.
These e orts have fostered self-reliance and built trust among the local populations,
particularly in con lict zones like the DRC. Major Sen's work, for instance, has set a high
standard for future missions by enhancing community engagement and promoting women's
rights and participation in peace processes
What historical precedent did India set with its women peacekeepers?
In 2007, India was the irst country to deploy an all-female police unit to a UN peacekeeping
mission in Liberia. This contingent played a vital role in providing security and training to the
local police force, signi icantly increasing the percentage of women in Liberia's security
services from less than 1% to 17%. This deployment set a precedent for the involvement of
women in peacekeeping roles and highlighted the e ectiveness of women in these positions.
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What are the broader implications of India's deployment of women peacekeepers?
The deployment of women peacekeepers by India demonstrates a commitment to gender
equality and the empowerment of women in global peacekeeping e orts. It highlights the
importance of including women in peace processes and shows that their participation can
lead to more e ective and inclusive peacekeeping operations. This aligns with the global
Women, Peace, and Security agenda, which aims to enhance the role of women in
maintaining peace and security worldwide.
How does Major Radhika Sen's background contribute to her role in peacekeeping?
Major Radhika Sen, originally from Himachal Pradesh, holds a degree in Biotechnology and
was pursuing her Master's from IIT Bombay before joining the Indian Army in 2016. Her
diverse educational and professional background, combined with her experiences in
challenging conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and North Sikkim, equipped her with the
skills and resilience necessary for e ective peacekeeping and gender advocacy.
What are some of the challenges faced by women peacekeepers?
Women peacekeepers often face challenges such as working in volatile and gender-sensitive
environments, overcoming cultural and societal norms, and balancing professional duties
with personal safety. Despite these challenges, their presence is crucial in building trust
within communities, addressing gender-speci ic issues, and promoting inclusive peace
processes.
How has India's contribution to UN peacekeeping evolved over the years?
Since its irst deployment in 1948, India has been one of the largest contributors to UN
peacekeeping missions, participating in 51 out of 71 missions. The deployment of women
peacekeepers began in 2007, and India continues to lead by example with substantial
contributions of both male and female personnel in various con lict zones globally
What future steps are anticipated for India's women peacekeepers?
Looking forward, India is expected to continue increasing the participation of women in
peacekeeping roles, aligning with international goals for gender equality in peace operations.
This involves not only deploying more women but also ensuring they are in leadership and
decision-making positions within peacekeeping missions to further enhance their impact and
e ectiveness.
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