🗂️ Topic: International Affairs / UN Peacekeeping / Defence & Security

India’s Peacekeeping Role Praised Amid Rising Tensions in Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction

India’s enduring commitment to UN peacekeeping has once again come into focus following recent violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After the tragic deaths of peacekeepers in eastern Congo, UN officials expressed gratitude for India’s continued support in maintaining international peace and stability.

🕊️ UN Peacekeeping: An Overview

• Established in 1948, UN peacekeeping is based on:
  • Consent of parties
  • Impartiality
  • Limited use of force (only in self-defence or mandate protection)
• Currently active personnel: ~100,000 from 125 countries
• Mission types include:
  • Conflict resolution
  • Election monitoring
  • Humanitarian assistance
  • Civilian protection

📜 Historical Context & Evolution

• First mission: UN Truce Supervision Organization (1948)
• Since then:
  • Over 1 million peacekeepers have served globally
  • More than 70 operations conducted
  • Missions now respond to complex internal conflicts, not just inter-state wars

⚠️ Current Challenges in UN Peacekeeping

• Power politics delay crucial decisions at the UN Security Council
• Funding gaps hinder mission readiness and expansion
• Host-state resistance undermines mission objectives
• Modern warfare tactics (guerrilla warfare, militias) complicate field operations

🇨🇩 Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Recent events:
  • 6 UN peacekeepers killed during clashes with M23 rebels
  • Victims included 2 South Africans, 1 Uruguayan, 3 Malawians
  • Fighting intensified around Goma, endangering ~2 million civilians
• UN response:
  • Relocated non-essential staff
  • Continued medical aid, food delivery, and civilian protection
• MONUSCO, the peacekeeping mission in Congo, has been active for 20+ years with 14,000 troops

⚔️ M23 Rebels and Regional Impact

• M23 is among ~100 armed groups operating in mineral-rich eastern Congo
• Recently captured Sake, 27 km from Goma
• Alleged to be Rwandan-backed
• Accused of exploiting geopolitical distractions, including U.S. political transitions
• Has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with global calls for peace and restraint

🇮🇳 India’s Legacy in Peacekeeping

• India is the largest cumulative contributor to UN peacekeeping
  • 253,000+ personnel deployed across 49 missions
• Contributions include:
  • Medical and logistical support
  • Helicopters, engineering teams, women peacekeepers
• Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), New Delhi:
  • Trained 67,000+ personnel
  • Focuses on critical areas like:
    • Conflict mediation
    • Sexual exploitation prevention
    • Protection of civilians

🕯️ Conclusion

India’s presence in UN peacekeeping continues to reflect its global responsibility, military professionalism, and humanitarian commitment. As violence escalates in regions like DRC, India stands as a pillar of the UN’s efforts to safeguard peace and protect vulnerable populations.