India’s Contribution Towards Maintaining Peace in the World

-- Aqsa Yamakanmardi, 7, Indian learners’ Own Academy

Thursday, January 12, 2023

India’s sincere efforts in maintaining peace in the world or sub-continents have been reflected several times through its relation with neighbouring countries.in this regard, a special mention of India-Pakistan declaration from time to time highlighted the peace and understanding between these two countries. Similar agreement was another effort of settling disputes in peaceful manner. As a member SAARC, India has embarked on a programme of comprehensive economic cooperation through dynamic South Asian countries. The Constitution of India through the directive principals of state policy directs the government to promote International peace and seek peaceful settlement of International disputes. India has been playing significant role in promoting world peace through the United Nations (UN). Indian armed forces helped maintain peace in Korea, Egypt and Congo. It has been participating in the activities of UN agencies like ILO, UNESCO and UNCATD. India has been the largest contributor to the UN missions since inception. So far India has taken part in 49 peacekeeping missions, with a total contribution exceeding 1,95,000 troops and a significant number of police personal have been deployed. Also, India has never invaded any country in the last 10,000 years of history. India’s unique combination of being the largest democracy in the world with a strong tradition of respect for rule of law and the successful experience in nation building makes it particularly relevant in the context of twenty-first century peace building. India is a member of Organizational Committee of the Peace-building Commission (PBC). India is strongly supportive of nationally-led plans for peace consolidation, while arguing for a constructive approach and a “lighter tough” by the PBC in extending advice, support and in extending its involvement. India has also been contributing to the UN Peace-building fund. India has so far provided 15 commanders in various UN missions.

Presently, Maj Gen Jai Shankar Menon, VSM is serving as the Force Commander in UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force). Besides the Force Commanders, India also had the honour of providing two military Advisors and one Deputy military advisor to the secretary general of the United Nations, two divisional commanders and seven Deputy Force Commanders. Indian army has also contributed lady officers as Military Observers and Staff Officers apart from them forming part of Medical units being deployed in UN missions. The first all women contingent in peacekeeping mission, a Formed Police Unit from India, was deployed in 2007 to the UN operator in Liberia (UNMIL). Many gallant Indian soldiers have led their life to bring peace and harmony to the world. While serving under the blue flag, 168 Indian soldiers have, so far made the supreme sacrifice.

PAST MISSIONS:

The following are some of the missions in which India has contributed in peacekeeping since 1950:

(a)Middle East (1956-67): United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF), where for the first time armed troop contingents were deployed. India’s contribution was an infantry battalion and other support elements. Over a period of 11 years, 393 officers, 409 JCOs, 12383 other ranks took part in the operations.

(b)Cambodia (1992-93) [UNTAC]:Was setup to supervise ceasefire, disarm combatants, repatriate refugees and monitor conduct of free and fair elections. A total of 1373 all ranks participated from Indian Army.

(c)Somalia (1993-94) [UNITAF & UNOSOM ll]: The Indian Navy and Indian Army took active part in UN operations. Indian Army deployed a brigade group comprising of 5000 all ranks and the navy deployed 4 battleships.

(d)Ethiopia-Eritrea (2006-08) [UNMEE]:Indian contribution comprised one infantry battalion group, one construct Engineer Company and one force Reserve Company, apart from staffing from various HDs and MILOBs.

(e)Rwanda (1994-96) [UNAMIR]: An infantry battalion group, one Signal Company, and Engineer Company, staff officers and Military Observers were provided. Total of 956 all ranks took part.