BOOK SHEDS LIGHT ON 75 YEARS OF INDIA'S CONTRIBUTION TO UN PEACEKEEPING

A detailed book honours India’s 75 years of UN peacekeeping service.

- MAJ GEN JAGATBIR SINGH (RETD)

75 Years of India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping written by Major General PK Goswami and published by Pentagon Press captures the essence of India’s peacekeeping contributions. It rightfully showcases India’s unwavering commitment to the challenges that the peacekeepers face and how they serve distinctively with courage, commitment and compassion.

Over the years, from Korea in 1950 to the last deployment at Abyei in Sudan, India, by far has deployed over 2,90, 000 military personnel and nearly 15,500 police personnel across 50 out of 71 Peacekeeping missions which remains one of the largest contributions by any country. The peacekeepers include military personnel, police forces and civilian experts and have played a crucial role in conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance and nation building in regions ravaged by war.

Beyond the mission-areas, India has also played a critical role in shaping the doctrines and policies of UN peacekeeping operations. It has consistently advocated for stronger mandates, better equipped forces and a more representative global security architecture. India also continues to call for a reformed and equitable UN Security Council further reflecting its capacities, capabilities and contributions.

The Book which has seven Chapters with seven Appendices is a detailed chronicle of India’s rich and multifaceted peacekeeping journey which analyses its impact, challenges and evolving role. It does this admirably by its historical and policy analyses, first hand accounts and mission insights which provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s role in UN peacekeeping operations over the last 75 years.

As one of the founding members of the UN, “India has consistently demonstrated strong commitment through its active cooperation and clear understanding of its obligations to UN activities.”