PIB Summary- 10th March, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- KYRGYZSTAN JOINT SPECIAL FORCES EXERCISE KHANJAR-XII

Context

India and Kyrgyzstan strengthen defense ties through KHANJAR-XII, focusing on counter-terrorism and special forces training.

KHANJAR-XII: India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise

• The exercise enhances military cooperation, counter-terrorism capabilities, and regional security.
• The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan KHANJAR-XII exercise is scheduled from 10 March to 23 March 2025 in Kyrgyzstan.
• It is a joint special forces training exercise held annually since 2011, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• The Indian Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade are participating.
• The exercise aims to improve counter-terrorism and special forces operations in urban and high-altitude mountainous terrain.
• Key training areas include sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain craft.
• Cultural exchanges, including Nowruz celebrations, will strengthen ties.

KHANJAR-XII

Context

The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII is scheduled from 10 March to 23 March 2025 in Kyrgyzstan.

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Background

• Established in 2011, the exercise has become an annual event, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• The previous edition was held in India (January 2024).

Objective:

• Exchange counter-terrorism and special forces operational techniques.
• Training in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain scenarios.

Specialized Training Areas:

• Sniping techniques.
• Building intervention operations in complex environments.
• Mountain warfare & survival skills.

Cultural Exchange:

• Celebration of Nowruz, enhancing diplomatic ties beyond military cooperation.

Government’s Stand & Policies

• Strengthening defense cooperation under India’s Central Asia outreach policy.
• Enhancing bilateral military engagement and strategic partnership.
• Aligning with India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Extended Neighbourhood” approach in Eurasia.
• Addressing regional security concerns, particularly terrorism and extremism.

Critical Analysis (Pros, Cons, Challenges)

•  Enhanced Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Joint exercises strengthen India’s anti-terror capabilities in Central Asia.
• Strategic Outreach to Central Asia: Strengthens India’s geopolitical presence in the region amid increasing Chinese and Russian influence.
• Tactical Skill Exchange: Advanced Special Forces training fosters interoperability.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: Cultural engagements boost bilateral people-to-people ties.

Cons:

• Limited Scale: The exercise involves only Special Forces, excluding broader military cooperation.
• Dependency on Annual Engagements: Lack of a permanent institutional framework for sustained collaboration.
• Geopolitical Complexities: Central Asia’s security landscape is influenced by Russia, China, and regional conflicts.

Challenges:

• Security Volatility in Central Asia: Unstable Afghanistan and rising extremism in the region can complicate joint operations.
• Geopolitical Balancing: India must manage its ties with Russia and China while deepening engagement in Central Asia.
•  Logistical and Climate Barriers: High-altitude, rugged terrains pose operational challenges.

Way Forward (Reforms, Policy Suggestions)

• Institutionalized Defense Partnership: Establish a permanent defense cooperation framework beyond annual exercises.
• Expanded Military Training Programs: Include joint cyber warfare, intelligence sharing, and drone warfare training.
• Trilateral & Multilateral Engagements: Collaborate with other Central Asian nations for regional security mechanisms.
• Infrastructure & Logistics Support: Improve military mobility & supply chains for high-altitude operations.

India’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping: Leadership, Commitment, and Sacrifice

Context

The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and security.

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Background

• UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs) play a crucial role in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian support.
• India has been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, with over 2,90,000 personnel serving in more than 50 missions globally.
• In 2023, India received the UN’s highest peacekeeping honor, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, posthumously awarded to its peacekeepers for their sacrifices.
• A recent event, the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South,’ hosted by India in February 2025, highlighted India’s commitment to inclusive peacekeeping.

Key Highlights

• Definition & Scope: UN peacekeeping missions support ceasefires, peace agreements, and civilian protection.

Key Functions:

• Facilitating political processes and governance.
• Protecting civilians and preventing human rights violations.
• Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants.
• Supporting free and fair elections.
• Strengthening rule of law and governance institutions.

Evolution:

• Started with observer missions in 1948 (UNTSO in the Middle East).
• Expanded after the Cold War with multidimensional operations addressing governance and security challenges.
• Reforms like the Brahimi Report (2000) led to robust mandates and enhanced capabilities.
• The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine shaped modern interventions.

India’s Role:

• India’s peacekeeping efforts align with its non-violence philosophy and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
• Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine active missions.
• India provides specialized training through the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) and supports Global South nations in capacity building.

Government’s Stand & Policies

• India views peacekeeping as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
• Actively promotes South-South cooperation and regional stability.

Support for Women Peacekeepers:

• Hosting the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’ to enhance female participation in UN missions.
• Training programs for women peacekeepers from ASEAN and African nations.

Operational Contributions:

• Deployment of battalions, medical units, and police personnel in critical conflict zones (e.g., DR Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Central African Republic).
• India advocates for fair representation in UN decision-making, pushing for greater recognition of troop-contributing nations.

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Critical Analysis (Pros, Cons, Challenges)

• Enhances India’s global diplomatic standing and soft power.
• Provides operational experience to Indian armed forces in multinational settings.
• Promotes gender inclusivity in peacekeeping operations.
• Strengthens India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

Cons:

• High casualties: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have died in operations.
• Lack of political influence: Despite major contributions, India remains underrepresented in key UN decision-making bodies.
• Operational challenges: Harsh conditions, asymmetric warfare, and limited resources affect peacekeeping efficiency.

Challenges:

• Rising threats: Increasing involvement in volatile regions with non-state actors and hybrid warfare.
• Financial constraints: India bears significant costs without proportionate reimbursements from the UN.
• Need for better coordination with host nations and regional organizations.

Way Forward (Reforms, Policy Suggestions)

• Push for structural reforms in UN peacekeeping decision-making, ensuring fair representation of troop-contributing nations.
• Strengthen India’s case for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

Capacity Building & Innovation:

• Expand specialized peacekeeping training, particularly in cyber security, counter-terrorism, and civilian protection.
• Increase investment in modernizing peacekeeping equipment and technology.

Women’s Participation:

• Enhance recruitment and training programs for women peacekeepers.
• Advocate for gender-sensitive policies in UN peacekeeping mandates.

Financial & Operational Efficiency:

• Seek better financial compensation and logistical support from the UN.
• Strengthen cooperation with regional organizations like the African Union for joint peacekeeping efforts.