For the ambitious mandate of U.N peacekeeping to be fulfilled, troop-contributing countries must have a bigger role in decision-making, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a special summit. “Mandates are ambitious; but, resources are often inadequate. …The problems arise to a large extent because Troop Contributing Countries do not have a role in the decision-making process. They do not have adequate representation in senior management and as Force Commanders,” Mr. Modi told the summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and attended among others, including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Mr. Modi said India’s commitment to peacekeeping would continue and the country would add 850 new troops to existing operations. India will also deploy technical personnel in UN missions and provide additional training for peacekeepers at facilities in India and in the field.
The Prime Minister recalled that 180,000 Indian troops have participated in UN peacekeeping missions, more than from any other country. India has participated in 48 of the 69 UN peacekeeping missions so far and 161 Indian peacekeepers have died in action. “Peacekeeping missions should be deployed prudently, with full recognition of their limitations and in support of political solutions,” Mr. Modi said.
