Sansad TV: Diplomatic Dispatch- UN Peacekeeping & India’s role | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

India and UN Peacekeeping

• India has consistently been one of the leading contributors of troops to the UN, ranking fifth with 5,424 personnel spread across eight countries.
• India contributes 0.83% to the regular budget and 0.16% to the peacekeeping budget.
• Up to this point, India has taken part in 51 out of 71 missions and provided over 200,000 personnel.
• Indian troops are stationed in Lebanon, Golan Heights, Congo, and South Sudan, and the country has staff officers serving in other missions as well.
• India has also established field hospitals in South Sudan and Congo.
• Starting from 2018, India has included a contingent from Kazakhstan in the Lebanon mission.
• India is seen as a potential emerging global superpower. Its participation in UN peacekeeping missions will undoubtedly aid in achieving this goal.
• This involvement can lead to a seat for India in the UN Security Council, a pivotal factor in its quest for superpower status.
• By learning from other nations' peacekeepers, India can enhance its skills and become a leader among them.
• India's contribution to UN Peacekeeping efforts enhances its political influence and fosters a positive global image.
• This goodwill can be advantageous in various political and economic negotiations where public sentiment holds significance.

The US and UN Peacekeeping

• In contrast, the United States has never contributed ground troops but does provide 27% of the UN's peacekeeping budget.
• In 2016, India and the US launched a joint annual program, the "UN Peacekeeping Course for African Partners," aimed at bolstering the capabilities of African nations in participating in UN and regional peacekeeping operations.
• Simultaneously, the US is interested in initiating a similar program for Southeast Asian nations, such as Vietnam.

China and UN Peacekeeping

• China currently deploys more than 2,500 troops across several UN missions, and it has committed an additional 8,000 troops on standby. If these commitments are fulfilled, China will become the primary contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping.
• China's financial contributions consist of 12% to the UN's regular budget and 15% to the peacekeeping budget.

Understanding Peacekeeping and its Significance

• United Nations Peacekeeping involves collaboration between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support.
• All peacekeeping missions receive authorization from the Security Council.
• Funding for UN Peacekeeping operations is a shared responsibility among UN Member States.
• According to the UN Charter, each Member State is legally obligated to contribute their share for peacekeeping.
• UN Peacekeeping operates on three core principles: agreement of involved parties, restraint from force unless for self-defense or mandate protection.