Permanent Mission of India to the UN New York

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UNSC Open Debate

Strengthening UN Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future

[Monday, 9 September 2024]

Statement by H.E. Mr. Parvathaneni Harish, Ambassador/PR of India

At the outset, I would like to congratulate Slovenia for the presidency of the Security Council. I also thank Slovenia for organizing this important meeting on UN Peacekeeping and briefers for their useful insights.

2. UN Peacekeeping is an important tool available to the Security Council for maintaining international peace and security. Since 1948, peacekeeping missions have contributed significantly to UN led peace efforts despite inherent limitations. Peacekeeping success stories clearly outweigh setbacks and failures.

3. UN peacekeeping is currently faced with unique challenges. The presence of non-state actors, armed groups, terrorists and organized crime networks have changed the nature of conflicts-particularly in Africa.

4. While some of the challenges relate to specific operational situations on the ground, the others could be more systemic in nature. Many of these relate to how the peacekeeping mandates are defined by the UN Security Council and whether adequate resources are made available for an effective conduct of such operations.

5. It is important for major troop contributing countries to be actively involved in the decision making process, which would help in addressing many of these challenges that arise due to lack of clarity in the mandates and make the deployment more efficient. The mandates have to take into cognizance the requirement of host countries in their endeavor to find lasting solutions. Experience has shown that multilateral solutions driven by regional partnerships can positively contribute to the efforts.

6. There are other issues such as the need for an effective mission communication strategy, coordination with host governments to counter disinformation and enhance the safety and security of the peacekeepers themselves.

7. In recent years, peacekeepers have experienced a greater level of asymmetric threats, ranging from landmines to IEDs. We must ensure that peacekeepers are equipped with a view to enhance their performance while guaranteeing their safety and security. Technology and innovation are critical to enhance efficiency.

8. National ownership is also important in peacekeeping and peace-building activities and critical for the success of our field missions. Lasting solutions can be achieved only by building capacities and political empowerment. There is also the need to strengthen the capabilities of the security forces of the host countries through provision of training and logistical support.

9. The lack of political unity in the Security Council, often witnessed in recent years, has negatively impacted UN peacekeeping. The Security Council needs to be more representative of today’s realities- particularly in the permanent category.

10. Given that more than half of the Security Council’s work is focused on Africa, India has been consistently calling for greater representation of Africa in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the SIRTE Declaration. The Council should also consider authorizing African Union-led peace support operations.

11. Chair, India is the largest cumulative contributor to peacekeeping, having deployed more than a quarter million troops in more than 50 missions over the last seven decades. 182 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice while upholding the cause of international peace and security. It is now time to move forward with the establishment of a suitable Memorial Wall for the more than 4000 Peacekeepers who have made the supreme sacrifice. I conclude by reiterating our commitment to UN Peacekeeping operations.

Thank you.

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