Key Highlights:
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed 32 troop-contributing nations at the UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, calling for comprehensive UN peacekeeping reforms to address evolving conflict dynamics
- India has contributed over 300,000 peacekeepers cumulatively across more than 50 UN missions, with 5,375 personnel currently deployed as of January 2025, ranking fourth globally
- UN peacekeeping operations face a $2 billion budget shortfall, forcing 25% personnel reductions and threatening civilian protection in conflict zones worldwide
Opening Overview
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful message to global military leaders at the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi, declaring that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics that have fundamentally altered the nature of international conflicts. Speaking on October 16, 2025, before representatives from 32 nations, Jaishankar emphasized that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics because peacekeepers now confront unprecedented challenges from non-state actors, terrorist organizations, and asymmetric warfare that render traditional buffer-zone mandates obsolete.
The three-day conclave, hosted by the Indian Army from October 14 to 16, brought together senior military leadership to address operational challenges as the United Nations confronts its most serious financial crisis in peacekeeping history, with a $2 billion shortfall threatening to reduce operations by 25%. President Droupadi Murmu interacted with participating nations at Rashtrapati Bhavan, acknowledging India’s invaluable peacekeeping contributions while stressing the need for technological cooperation and enhanced safety protocols for peacekeepers operating in increasingly dangerous environments.
Transforming Conflict Landscapes Demand New Peacekeeping Paradigm
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics because the clear lines of state-on-state warfare have been fundamentally blurred by complex matrices of armed groups operating outside international law. Jaishankar articulated that peacekeepers today face “a complex and ambiguous matrix of non-state actors, of armed groups, and of terrorist organizations” that employ asymmetric tactics ranging from improvised explosive devices to cyber warfare, making peacekeeping work more dangerous and unpredictable than ever before.
The External Affairs Minister stressed that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics specifically because the traditional role of peacekeepers as buffers between two warring states has evolved significantly, requiring personnel to protect civilians from harm, respond to humanitarian crises, and operate in environments “where the enemy wears no uniform and respects no rules”.
- The changing nature of conflicts demands enhanced training programs, sophisticated surveillance technology, and comprehensive mandate reevaluation to equip peacekeepers for asymmetric threats
- Peacekeepers must simultaneously ensure their own safety while delivering on complex mission objectives in hostile territories without clearly defined adversaries
This difficult reality necessitates that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics through investments in protective gear, cyber capabilities, and mission preparedness of the highest standard. Jaishankar outlined seven critical principles that must guide future UN peace operations, stressing that mandates must be “realistic and clear” to ensure effective implementation, and that troop-contributing countries and host states must be consulted during mandate formulation. Furthermore, India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics while maintaining that “the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians still lies with the host state,” establishing clear boundaries for peacekeeping operations.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has propagated enhanced Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination & Capacity Building – a 4C formula – as a guiding principle for the countries contributing towards United Nations peacekeeping to tackle emerging challenges and ensure global peace.… pic.twitter.com/usRzrJRTqL
— Defence Production India (@DefProdnIndia) October 14, 2025
India’s Unparalleled Commitment to Global Peacekeeping Operations
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics from a position of unmatched experience, having contributed over 300,000 troops cumulatively to UN peacekeeping missions since inception, making it the world’s largest troop-contributing country historically. As of January 31, 2025, India deployed 5,375 peacekeepers (5,221 male and 154 female personnel) across multiple UN missions, ranking fourth globally behind Nepal, Rwanda, and Bangladesh in current troop contributions.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that more than 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are currently serving in nine of the 11 active peacekeeping missions, including challenging theaters such as South Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Jaishankar paid solemn tribute to the more than 4,000 UN peacekeepers and 182 Indian peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, calling them “testament to bravery” whose legacy remains “a solemn call to action”.
- India has participated in more than 49 peacekeeping missions with total contributions exceeding 200,000 troops and significant police personnel deployments over seven decades
- The nation has provided two Military Advisors, two Police Advisers including Ms. Kiran Bedi, one Deputy Military Adviser, 14 Force Commanders, and numerous Police Commissioners to various UN missions
- India deployed the first all-women contingent in peacekeeping missions, a Formed Police Unit to the UN Operation in Liberia in 2007
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics while simultaneously affirming the nation’s commitment to women peacekeepers, noting that “it is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping, rather, it is whether peacekeeping can succeed without women”. India hosted the first-ever International Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South in February 2025, bringing together women peacekeepers from 35 nations, and subsequently hosted the UN Women Military Officers Course in August 2025 with participation from 15 countries.
Critical Financial Crisis Threatens UN Peacekeeping Effectiveness
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics at a moment when UN peacekeeping confronts unprecedented financial constraints that are forcing missions to reduce operations by approximately 25%, significantly impacting their ability to protect civilians and advance peace in conflict zones. The approved budget for UN peacekeeping operations for the fiscal year July 2024 to June 2025 stands at $5.6 billion, financing nine of the 11 United Nations peacekeeping missions.
However, at the start of the current budget cycle in July 2025, a shortfall of $2 billion emerged, representing over 35% of peacekeeping’s total budget, directly resulting from some member states not paying their assessed contributions. The United States contributes 26.95% of peacekeeping funding, followed by China at 18.69%, Japan at 8.03%, Germany at 6.11%, and the United Kingdom at 5.36%.
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix stated during an October 8 press briefing that “we have no choice but to implement the plans to prevent the financial collapse of the operations, and we obviously profoundly regret having to do this, but we have, again, no other option”. Missions must reduce expenditures equal to 15% of their current year-long budget, but because this must occur in just nine months, accounting for costs associated with repatriating peacekeepers and equipment, this requires a 25% reduction in police and military personnel plus significant civilian staff cuts.
Jaishankar acknowledged these financial headwinds, stating that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics while recognizing “it is likely that the peacekeeping budget will see headwinds” and advocating for measures making UN peacekeeping “more financially and administratively rigorous, like winding down obsolete missions that have outlived their purpose”. The reduction in personnel means fewer people to monitor ceasefires and prevent tensions from escalating in Lebanon, Western Sahara, and the Golan Heights, and fewer people working to stop violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Reduced UN presence risks creating vacuums in fragile areas, emboldening armed actors, and undermining hard-won progress toward peace and stability.
Comprehensive Reform Agenda for UN Security Council Expansion
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics as part of a broader vision for comprehensive United Nations reform, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of Security Council membership. Jaishankar delivered pointed criticism of the current UN structure, declaring that “the United Nations today still reflects the realities of 1945, not of 2025” and warning that “institutions that fail to adapt risk irrelevance, not just irrelevance but eroding legitimacy”.
The External Affairs Minister stated that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics while noting “there is a strong desire amongst members of the UN for a reformed United Nations, including expansion of the permanent and non-permanent categories of the membership of the Security Council”. However, Jaishankar expressed frustration that “the process of reform itself is being used to derail that agenda,” resulting in continued “historical injustices”.
- The G4 nations of Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan mutually support one another’s bids for permanent Security Council seats, with backing from the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States
- India has been elected to the Security Council for eight two-year terms, demonstrating consistent regional support for its candidacy
- The United Nations membership has quadrupled since 1945, necessitating structural reforms to reflect contemporary global realities
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics while affirming its commitment to assume greater responsibilities in a reformed United Nations and renewed multilateralism. Jaishankar emphasized that for the UN to be effective, “it must reform, becoming more inclusive, democratic, participative, and representative of today’s world” while amplifying voices of the developing world and reflecting aspirations of a rising Global South. The minister stressed that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics grounded in civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), which anchors India’s worldview and consistent advocacy for justice, dignity, opportunity, and prosperity for all societies and peoples.
Technology Integration and Enhanced Peacekeeper Safety Protocols
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics with particular emphasis on leveraging technology as a “force-multiplier” in peace operations, offering to serve as a technology demonstrator to enhance operational capacity of peacekeeping missions. The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave featured an interactive session titled “Leveraging Technology in UN Peacekeeping” that brought together Chiefs and Representatives from troop-contributing countries with 15 industry leaders to explore the role of innovation and indigenous solutions in enhancing operational effectiveness.
Discussions highlighted the potential of emerging technologies in improving situational awareness, logistics, and troop safety, providing opportunities for mutual learning and capability sharing. A Defence Expo featuring nine operational domains and 41 exhibitors showcased a wide range of indigenous weapon systems, platforms, and cutting-edge technologies, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production.
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics while stressing paramount importance must be given to the safety and security of peacekeepers, ensuring that perpetrators of any attacks on them must be brought to justice. Jaishankar emphasized the critical role of information and communications technology (ICT) in addressing strategic communication needs and countering misinformation and disinformation that can undermine peacekeeping operations. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, held bilateral meetings with Army Chiefs of Burundi, Tanzania, Poland, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Uganda, with discussions centered on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and fostering closer coordination in future peacekeeping missions.
The conclave concluded with unanimous affirmation that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics through realistic mandates, better technology, enhanced safety for peacekeepers, and inclusive decision-making processes that involve all stakeholders.
#IndiaAtUN
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) October 14, 2025
PR @AmbHarishP addressed over 30 military leaders at the Conclave of Army Chiefs of @UN Troop Contributing Countries hosted by 🇮🇳.
➡️ He reaffirmed 🇮🇳’s steadfast commitment to Peacekeeping.
➡️ He made the following specific points on UN Peacekeeping Reform:
1️⃣… pic.twitter.com/8rVYahkYM3
Closing Assessment
India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics at a critical juncture when the United Nations confronts both operational and existential challenges that threaten the fundamental architecture of global peace and security. The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 represented more than ceremonial dialogue, it crystallized urgent consensus among 32 troop-contributing nations that peacekeeping mandates must evolve to address non-state actors, asymmetric warfare, and unprecedented financial constraints that are forcing 25% personnel reductions across missions. Jaishankar’s comprehensive reform agenda encompassing mandate recalibration, technology integration, enhanced peacekeeper safety, and Security Council expansion reflects India’s determination to leverage its unparalleled peacekeeping experience spanning 300,000 troops across 50 missions to shape future global security architecture.
As Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned of potential financial collapse and Secretary-General António Guterres called for member states to pay contributions in full and on time, India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics with increasing urgency, recognizing that “peace anywhere strengthens peace everywhere”. The collaborative spirit embodied in the conclave’s deliberations, tree plantation ceremony symbolizing sustainability, and bilateral defence cooperation agreements demonstrates that India calls for UN peacekeeping reforms amid shifting war tactics not through unilateral demands but through inclusive multilateral engagement grounded in civilizational wisdom of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
