India plays a pivotal role in UN peacekeeping, emphasizing gender inclusivity. UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix praised India as a "cornerstone" of peacekeeping and highlighted its leadership in deploying and training women peacekeepers. Indian women’s contributions, from fostering trust to enhancing mission success, are transformative. Notable leaders like Major Radhika Sen and Captain Seema Gowdar exemplify this impact. Lacroix urged more women in leadership roles and stressed India’s legacy of innovation, training, and collaboration as vital to global peacekeeping efforts.
India continues to shine as a pivotal force in United Nations peacekeeping efforts, with a particular focus on advancing gender inclusivity. Highlighting India's contributions, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasized that "India remains a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping" and that "Indian women peacekeepers are redefining peacekeeping itself." His remarks came ahead of his visit to New Delhi for the conference titled Enhancing the Role of Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Experience, held on February 24-25.
Lacroix lauded India's leadership in promoting women’s participation in peacekeeping, noting that "missions with greater women representation build stronger relationships with communities, improve operational outcomes, and contribute to lasting peace." He described the conference as a platform to unite women peacekeepers from approximately 50 Global South nations to address challenges and underscore the critical role women play in fostering peace and security.
"More women in peacekeeping means more effective peacekeeping," Lacroix stated, acknowledging India's status as a top contributor of troops and police personnel and its pioneering efforts in achieving gender parity. He praised India’s initiatives in training, capacity building, and deploying women peacekeepers, which underscore the country’s commitment to enhancing operational success.
India's women peacekeepers have made a profound impact on the ground. In Abyei, for example, they have tailored patrol routes and supported marginalized groups, creating safer environments for women and children. Their ability to navigate cultural sensitivities, foster trust, and engage with local communities enhances mission success and contributes to community healing. "Their presence builds crucial connections, improves humanitarian outreach, and acts as a source of inspiration for women and girls in conflict zones," Lacroix said.
India's contributions extend beyond deployment. The country leads in training through the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in Delhi, which sets "global standards" in pre-deployment preparation and specialized courses. Furthermore, India plays a pivotal role in combating misinformation and hate speech, working alongside the UN to refine policies, command structures, and training programs.
Lacroix highlighted notable examples of India's leadership in peacekeeping. Captain Seema Gowdar, Deputy Commander of the Female Engagement Team at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), has been instrumental in strengthening civilian protection and community trust. Similarly, Major Radhika Sen’s exceptional work in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) earned her the prestigious 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. "Her dedication exemplifies how gender-inclusive leadership strengthens peacekeeping and inspires future generations of women in uniform," Lacroix remarked.
India also set a global precedent in 2007 by deploying the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia, a legacy it continues to uphold. As of September 2024, India ranks among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping, with 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, deployed across 10 missions. Notably, 20.45% of India's military observers and staff officers in peacekeeping missions are women, reflecting the country’s commitment to gender equality.
Lacroix underscored the strategic importance of enhancing women’s roles in peacekeeping, stating that "women in peacekeeping is not just about fairness—it is a strategic necessity for mission success." He called for the creation of enabling environments, the removal of gender barriers, and a focus on the mental well-being of peacekeepers. He also stressed the importance of advanced technologies, such as AI-driven systems and data analytics, to bolster mission performance and safety in increasingly complex conflict zones.
Reflecting on the evolving nature of peacekeeping, Lacroix emphasized the need for stronger intelligence-sharing and deeper engagement with local communities to provide early warnings and reduce risks. He noted that women peacekeepers play a critical role in this process, as they foster trust and gather vital insights that enhance mission security. "By breaking barriers, building partnerships, and equipping peacekeepers with the right tools, we can create forces that not only protect but lead the way to a safer, more just world," he said.
Lacroix also called on UN Member States to nominate more women for senior uniformed leadership roles. Currently, only one of the 11 UN peacekeeping operations is led by a uniformed woman—Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana, Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). "We need more trailblazing uniformed women like her and women in leadership at all levels," he urged.
India’s hosting of the conference, in partnership with its Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and the CUNPK, demonstrates its continued dedication to advancing gender inclusivity in peacekeeping. Lacroix concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing modern-day challenges, reinforcing that India’s contributions remain vital to the success of UN peacekeeping, civilian protection, and the pursuit of lasting peace.
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