Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
United Nations Peacekeeping, a cornerstone of multilateral efforts to maintain international peace and security, relies heavily on contributions from member states. Since the inception of UN peacekeeping in 1948, India has been an unwavering and substantial contributor, consistently ranking as the largest troop-contributing country (TCC). As of November 2023, India has contributed over 200,000 troops to 49 UN peacekeeping missions across the globe. This commitment stems from India’s long-held belief in multilateralism, its historical ties to the Non-Aligned Movement, and its desire to play a responsible role in global affairs. This answer will examine the scope and significance of India’s role in UN peacekeeping.
Historical Evolution of India’s Contribution
India’s involvement in UN peacekeeping began with the UN Emergency Force (UNEF) in 1956, deployed to the Suez Canal crisis. This marked the beginning of a sustained commitment. Throughout the Cold War, India actively participated in missions in the Congo (ONUC, 1960-64), Cyprus (UNFICYP, 1964-present), and Lebanon (UNIFIL, 1978-present). These early missions established India’s reputation for professionalism and impartiality.
Types of Contributions
India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping are multifaceted:
- Troop Contributions: India has consistently provided large numbers of troops, including infantry battalions, armored units, and specialized personnel.
- Police Contributions: India is also a significant contributor of police personnel, particularly in missions focused on rule of law and security sector reform.
- Medical Support: Indian medical teams have provided crucial healthcare services in conflict zones.
- Financial Support: India contributes financially to UN peacekeeping operations.
- Expertise & Training: India shares its expertise in peacekeeping through training programs for personnel from other countries, notably at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi.
Key Missions and India’s Role
| Mission | Years | India’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| UNEF (Suez) | 1956-1967 | First Indian deployment; demonstrated commitment to multilateralism. |
| ONUC (Congo) | 1960-1964 | Largest contingent from any country; faced significant challenges. |
| UNFICYP (Cyprus) | 1964-Present | Longest-running Indian peacekeeping mission; maintains a significant presence. |
| UNAMID (Darfur) | 2007-2020 | Significant troop and police contributions; faced challenges related to the conflict’s complexity. |
| UNMISS (South Sudan) | 2011-Present | Engineering companies, staff officers, and police personnel deployed. |
Challenges Faced
Despite its commitment, India has faced challenges in UN peacekeeping:
- Financial Burden: Maintaining large contingents abroad is financially demanding.
- Risk to Personnel: Peacekeepers face inherent risks in conflict zones, including casualties. As of 2023, over 190 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in UN missions.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Reimbursement delays and logistical challenges can hinder operations.
- Changing Nature of Conflicts: Modern conflicts are increasingly complex, requiring peacekeepers to address issues beyond traditional security concerns.
India’s Evolving Role & Future Prospects
India is advocating for a more robust mandate for peacekeeping operations, including a greater emphasis on peacebuilding and sustainable development. It is also pushing for reforms within the UN peacekeeping system to improve efficiency and effectiveness. India’s recent contributions include increased participation in missions focused on stabilization and state-building, and a greater emphasis on providing specialized expertise. With its growing economic and military strength, India is poised to play an even more significant role in UN peacekeeping in the future, potentially contributing to more complex and challenging missions.
Conclusion
India’s consistent and substantial contribution to UN peacekeeping operations reflects its commitment to multilateralism and its desire to promote international peace and security. While challenges remain, India’s experience, expertise, and willingness to contribute make it an indispensable partner for the UN. Moving forward, India’s role will likely evolve to encompass a broader range of peacekeeping activities, including peacebuilding, capacity-building, and addressing the root causes of conflict, solidifying its position as a leading global peacekeeper.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.