India’s role in UN Peacekeeping Missions over the years

Two BSF personnel, who were part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), were among five people killed during a protest in an eastern town near the border with Uganda.

Key-highlights

• They were part of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or MONUSCO.
• A total 175 Indian peacekeepers have so far died while serving with the United Nations.
• India has lost more peacekeepers than any other UN Member State.

What is the U.N. Peacekeeping mission?

• The U.N. Peacekeeping mission is a joint effort between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support.
• Aim:To assist host countries to transition from situations of conflict to peace.
• The U.N. began its Peacekeeping efforts in 1948 when it deployed military observers to West Asia.
• The Peacekeeping mission’s role was to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
• Peacekeepers provide security as well as political and peacebuilding support to conflict-ridden countries.

India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions

• Over 200,000 Indians have served in 49 U.N. Peacekeeping missions since 1948.
• Currently, 5,581 Indians are part of various U.N. Peacekeeping missions.
• India has been among the largest troop-contributing countries to the U.N. peacekeeping missions.
• As of November 2021, India is the second-highest military (1,888) and fifth-highest (139) police-contributing country to the MONUSCO.

Role of women in Indian Peacekeeping

• India has been sending women personnel on UN Peacekeeping Missions.
• In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission.