UN Peacekeeping Forces Indian Battalion Honored

The 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group was awarded the United Nations Medal in recognition of their dedicated service during their deployment to the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. UN Peacekeepers play a vital role in providing security, political assistance, and peacebuilding support to countries navigating the difficult transition from conflict to peace.

The first UN peacekeeping mission was deployed in Palestine in 1948. As of April 30, 2018, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and India were the largest contributors of peacekeeping forces, with over 27% of peacekeepers originating from the Indian subcontinent. Troops are provided by member states voluntarily, as the UN does not have its own military force. Peacekeeping soldiers are paid by their respective governments based on their national rank and salary. The financial resources for UN Peacekeeping operations are collectively provided by UN Member States. The United Nations Security Council makes decisions regarding the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of peacekeeping operations. The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the UN, responsible for ensuring international peace and security. It accepts new members and approves changes to the UN charter. Its powers include establishing peacekeeping operations, imposing international sanctions, and authorizing military actions through resolutions. It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. The Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Recently, South Africa, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, Germany, and Belgium were elected as non-permanent members.

India and UN Peacekeeping: A Legacy of Service and Commitment

The awarding of the United Nations Medal to the 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group for their service in South Sudan highlights India's enduring commitment to UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is not merely a recent phenomenon but is deeply rooted in India's foreign policy principles and its vision of a just and peaceful world order. India's involvement in UN peacekeeping is a multifaceted engagement, encompassing troop contributions, financial support, and active participation in shaping the discourse on peacekeeping strategies and reforms.

The Genesis of UN Peacekeeping

To fully understand India's role, it is crucial to examine the very concept of UN peacekeeping. Born out of the ashes of World War II, the United Nations was established in 1945 with the primary objective of maintaining international peace and security. Chapter VI of the UN Charter outlines the "Pacific Settlement of Disputes," while Chapter VII addresses "Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression." These chapters provide the legal foundation for the UN's intervention in conflict situations.

The first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), was deployed in Palestine in 1948. Its initial mandate was to monitor the ceasefire agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors. This mission, though modest in size, marked the beginning of a new era in international conflict management. The Korean War (1950-1953) witnessed a more robust intervention, with the UN Security Council authorizing a multinational force to repel North Korea's aggression against South Korea. However, this was technically not a peacekeeping operation, as it involved enforcement action authorized under Chapter VII.

The Suez Crisis of 1956 led to the creation of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF I), widely considered the first true UN peacekeeping operation. UNEF I was deployed to the Sinai Peninsula to secure the ceasefire between Egypt, Israel, France, and the United Kingdom. This mission established several key principles of UN peacekeeping: consent of the host state, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense. These principles, often referred to as the "classic" or "traditional" peacekeeping principles, have guided UN peacekeeping operations for decades.

India's Early Engagement with UN Peacekeeping

India's involvement with UN peacekeeping began soon after its independence in 1947. Even before the Suez Crisis, India contributed to UN operations in Korea and Indochina. However, it was UNEF I in 1956 that marked India's significant entry into the world of peacekeeping. India provided a substantial contingent of troops to UNEF I, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the region.

This early engagement was driven by several factors. First, India's leadership, particularly Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was deeply committed to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. Nehru saw the UN as a crucial instrument for promoting international peace and security, and India's participation in peacekeeping was a tangible expression of this commitment. Second, India's own experience with conflict and nation-building made it acutely aware of the importance of stability and development. Peacekeeping provided an opportunity for India to contribute to these goals in other parts of the world. Third, India's participation in UN peacekeeping enhanced its international standing and projected its image as a responsible and peace-loving nation.

Throughout the Cold War, India continued to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations in various parts of the world, including the Congo (ONUC), Cyprus (UNFICYP), and Lebanon (UNIFIL). These missions presented diverse challenges, ranging from maintaining neutrality in complex political environments to dealing with armed militias and protecting civilians. India's peacekeepers gained valuable experience in these operations, developing skills in negotiation, mediation, and conflict management.

Evolution of UN Peacekeeping and India's Role

The end of the Cold War ushered in a new era for UN peacekeeping. With the easing of Cold War tensions, the Security Council became more assertive in authorizing peacekeeping operations. The scope and complexity of these operations also increased, reflecting the changing nature of conflict. Post-Cold War peacekeeping missions often involved a broader range of tasks, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants, electoral assistance, human rights monitoring, and security sector reform. These "second-generation" or "complex" peacekeeping operations required a more comprehensive approach, involving not only military personnel but also police, civilian experts, and development agencies.

India adapted to these changes by expanding its contributions to UN peacekeeping. In addition to providing troops, India also deployed police officers, military observers, and civilian experts to various missions. India also played a more active role in shaping the policy and strategic direction of UN peacekeeping. Indian diplomats and military officials participated in discussions on peacekeeping reforms, advocating for greater efficiency, accountability, and coordination within the UN system.

One notable example of India's enhanced role was its participation in the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in the early 1990s. UNTAC was a large and complex mission that oversaw the transition from civil war to democracy in Cambodia. India contributed troops, police officers, and electoral observers to UNTAC, playing a vital role in ensuring free and fair elections.

India's Contributions in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, India has remained a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping, consistently ranking among the top troop-contributing countries. As of April 30, 2018, India was the third-largest contributor of peacekeeping forces, after Ethiopia and Bangladesh. Indian peacekeepers have served in some of the most challenging and dangerous peacekeeping environments, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Lebanon (UNIFIL), Sudan (UNMISS), and South Sudan (UNMISS).

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where the 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group served, is a particularly important example of India's commitment to peacekeeping in Africa. South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after decades of civil war. However, the country has continued to face internal conflicts, humanitarian crises, and political instability. UNMISS was established in 2011 with a mandate to protect civilians, monitor human rights, and support peace implementation. India has contributed a significant number of troops and police officers to UNMISS, playing a crucial role in protecting vulnerable populations and promoting stability.

The 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group's service in South Sudan exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of Indian peacekeepers. They operated in a difficult and dangerous environment, facing challenges such as armed conflict, logistical constraints, and health risks. Despite these challenges, they remained committed to their mandate, providing security to civilians, supporting humanitarian operations, and building trust with local communities. The awarding of the United Nations Medal is a well-deserved recognition of their selfless service.

The Strategic and Geopolitical Dimensions of India's Peacekeeping

India's commitment to UN peacekeeping is not solely driven by altruistic motives. It also serves important strategic and geopolitical interests. First, peacekeeping enhances India's international standing and projects its image as a responsible global actor. This is particularly important as India seeks to play a greater role in global governance and decision-making. Second, peacekeeping provides India with valuable opportunities to engage with other countries, particularly those in Africa and Asia. These engagements can strengthen diplomatic ties, promote economic cooperation, and enhance India's influence in these regions. Third, peacekeeping allows India to contribute to regional stability and security, which is essential for its own economic development and security. Instability in neighboring countries can have negative spillover effects on India, such as increased migration, cross-border crime, and the spread of extremism. By contributing to peacekeeping, India helps to create a more stable and secure environment in its neighborhood.

Challenges and Criticisms of UN Peacekeeping

Despite its successes, UN peacekeeping is not without its challenges and criticisms. One major challenge is the issue of resources. UN peacekeeping operations are funded by assessed contributions from member states. However, some member states are often late in paying their contributions, which can create financial constraints for peacekeeping operations. Another challenge is the issue of effectiveness. Some peacekeeping operations have been criticized for failing to protect civilians, prevent conflict, or promote sustainable peace. These criticisms have led to calls for reforms to improve the planning, management, and accountability of peacekeeping operations.

The issue of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by peacekeepers has also been a major concern. There have been credible allegations of SEA against peacekeepers from various countries, including India. The UN has taken steps to address this issue, including implementing stricter vetting procedures, providing training on SEA prevention, and establishing mechanisms for reporting and investigating allegations. India has also taken steps to address SEA allegations against its peacekeepers, including conducting investigations and taking disciplinary action against those found guilty.

India's Perspective on Peacekeeping Reform

India has been an active participant in the discussions on UN peacekeeping reform. India has consistently advocated for reforms to improve the efficiency, accountability, and coordination of peacekeeping operations. India has also emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of host states. India has argued that peacekeeping operations should be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each conflict situation, and that they should be conducted in close consultation with the host state.

One key area of reform that India has advocated for is the strengthening of the UN's capacity for early warning and conflict prevention. India has argued that the UN should be more proactive in identifying and addressing potential conflicts before they escalate into full-blown crises. This would require improved intelligence gathering, analysis, and diplomatic engagement.

India has also called for greater representation of developing countries in the leadership positions of UN peacekeeping operations. India has argued that developing countries have a unique perspective on conflict and peacekeeping, and that their voices should be heard in the decision-making process.

The Role of the UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) plays a central role in UN peacekeeping. The UNSC is responsible for authorizing peacekeeping operations, defining their mandates, and setting their duration. The UNSC also oversees the implementation of peacekeeping operations, receiving regular reports from the Secretary-General and making decisions on adjustments to the mission.

The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The five permanent members have the power of veto, which means that they can block any resolution, regardless of the level of support it has from other members.

The veto power of the permanent members can sometimes hinder the UNSC's ability to act on critical issues. In some cases, a permanent member may use its veto to protect its own interests or the interests of its allies, even if this is detrimental to international peace and security. This has led to calls for reforms to the UNSC, including limiting the use of the veto power or expanding the number of permanent members.

India has long been a strong advocate for reforms to the UNSC. India has argued that the UNSC should be more representative of the world's population and geopolitical realities. India has also called for the expansion of the number of permanent members to include countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. India believes that its own track record of contributing to UN peacekeeping, its growing economic and political influence, and its commitment to multilateralism make it a strong candidate for permanent membership of the UNSC.

The Financial Burden of UN Peacekeeping

UN peacekeeping operations are funded by assessed contributions from member states. The level of each member state's contribution is determined by a formula that takes into account its economic capacity and its population. The United States is the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, followed by China, Japan, Germany, and France.

The financial burden of UN peacekeeping can be significant, particularly for developing countries. Some developing countries have argued that the current funding formula is unfair, and that it places an undue burden on them. They have called for reforms to the funding formula to make it more equitable.

India has consistently paid its assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping in full and on time. India has also provided additional financial support to UN peacekeeping operations on a voluntary basis. However, India has also expressed concerns about the rising costs of UN peacekeeping, and it has called for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the management of peacekeeping operations.

The Future of India's Engagement with UN Peacekeeping

India is likely to remain a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping operations in the years to come. India's commitment to multilateralism, its growing economic and political influence, and its track record of contributing to international peace and security all suggest that it will continue to play a leading role in UN peacekeeping.

However, India's engagement with UN peacekeeping will also be shaped by several factors, including the changing nature of conflict, the evolving priorities of Indian foreign policy, and the ongoing debates about UN peacekeeping reform.

One key challenge will be adapting to the changing nature of conflict. Conflicts in the 21st century are often more complex and multifaceted than in the past. They often involve a variety of actors, including state and non-state armed groups, and they are often driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors. This requires a more comprehensive and integrated approach to peacekeeping, involving not only military personnel but also police, civilian experts, and development agencies.

Another challenge will be balancing India's commitment to UN peacekeeping with its other foreign policy priorities. India is facing a number of pressing challenges, including economic development, energy security, and regional security. These challenges may require India to allocate its resources differently, which could potentially affect its contributions to UN peacekeeping.

Finally, India's engagement with UN peacekeeping will be shaped by the ongoing debates about UN peacekeeping reform. India will continue to advocate for reforms to improve the efficiency, accountability, and coordination of peacekeeping operations. India will also continue to call for greater representation of developing countries in the leadership positions of UN peacekeeping operations.

The Significance of the UN Medal for the 7 Garhwal Rifles

The awarding of the United Nations Medal to the 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group is a significant event for several reasons. First, it recognizes the dedicated service and professionalism of Indian peacekeepers. The 7 Garhwal Rifles operated in a difficult and dangerous environment in South Sudan, and they remained committed to their mandate of protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian operations, and building trust with local communities. The medal is a well-deserved recognition of their selfless service.

Second, the award highlights India's enduring commitment to UN peacekeeping. India has been a consistent and significant contributor to UN peacekeeping operations since their inception, and the award demonstrates India's continued willingness to contribute to international peace and security.

Third, the award enhances India's international standing and projects its image as a responsible global actor. India is seeking to play a greater role in global governance and decision-making, and the award demonstrates India's commitment to multilateralism and its ability to contribute to global solutions.

In conclusion, India's engagement with UN peacekeeping is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It is driven by a combination of altruistic motives, strategic interests, and geopolitical considerations. India has been a consistent and significant contributor to UN peacekeeping operations since their inception, and it is likely to remain a leading player in this field in the years to come. The awarding of the United Nations Medal to the 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of Indian peacekeepers, and it highlights India's enduring commitment to international peace and security. The challenges of peacekeeping remain significant, requiring constant adaptation and reform to ensure effectiveness in increasingly complex conflict environments. India's continued engagement and advocacy for reform will be crucial in shaping the future of UN peacekeeping.