India Announces Major Contributions to Enhance UN Peacekeeping Operations
United Nations, May 15 — India, a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping forces, made significant new commitments at the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held in Berlin, Germany. Among its pledges are the deployment of a Quick Reaction Force company, a women-led Formed Police Unit (FPU), and specialized units including counter-IED, K-9, and SWAT teams.The UN Department of Peace Operations acknowledged India’s pledges in a post on X, expressing gratitude by stating, “Thank you, India, for your support.”
India’s Key Contributions
India’s pledges at the high-level meeting include:- A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) company
- An armed or mixed armed police unit
- One women-led Formed Police Unit (FPU)
- A Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit
- A K-9 unit
- A SWAT police unit
Global Focus on Adapting Peacekeeping for Future Challenges
The two-day ministerial event brought together over 130 member states and international partners, with more than 1,000 participants. A total of 74 member states made pledges to reinforce the adaptability and resilience of UN peacekeeping in the face of evolving global threats.UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of equipping peacekeeping forces to meet contemporary challenges. “In troubled spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death,” he said, stressing the need for adaptable, technologically advanced, and inclusive peace operations.
Guterres highlighted modern threats such as transnational terrorism, polarisation, climate crises, and disinformation, calling for stronger support and innovation in peacekeeping.
Global Commitments at a Glance
Key outcomes of the Berlin Ministerial included:- 53 member states pledged military and police units
- 59 countries committed to providing specialized training in peacekeeping intelligence, gender issues, and civilian protection
- 38 nations reaffirmed support for the Women, Peace and Security agenda
- 18 member states pledged technological support and data-driven solutions
- 16 countries pledged safety and security improvements for peacekeepers
- 11 states committed to enhancing accountability and fighting sexual exploitation and abuse
- 8 countries pledged support for the UN’s strategic communication efforts
India’s Legacy in Peacekeeping
As of September 2024, India deploys 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, across 10 UN missions. The country has the highest number of fatalities among troop-contributing nations, with nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers killed in action.India has a notable history of pioneering gender-inclusive peacekeeping. In 2007, it became the first country to deploy an all-female Formed Police Unit to Liberia.
The Road Ahead
The Berlin Ministerial is part of an ongoing series of summits aimed at strengthening international peacekeeping efforts. It follows similar meetings in Accra (2023), Seoul (2021), New York (2019), Vancouver (2017), and London (2016), and aligns with the UN’s 80th anniversary and the 10-year milestone of the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping.The focus of this year's ministerial was the “Future of Peacekeeping,” emphasizing innovation, local engagement, and multilateral cooperation in maintaining global peace and security.