With over 250,000 personnel deployed in 49 different missions since 1948, India has consistently been the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping forces. In recent years, this commitment has been underscored by the tragic loss of Indian personnel in the line of duty, including the recent death of Brigadier Amitabh Jha, a senior officer serving in the Golan Heights as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). His passing, though not a combat casualty, highlights the immense risks faced by peacekeepers working in volatile zones across the world.
India’s Legacy in Global Peacekeeping
India’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions’ dates back to the early years of the United Nations itself, with the country being one of the founding members of the global peacekeeping initiative. India has contributed troops, medical teams, engineers, and police personnel in missions spanning continents—whether it be monitoring ceasefires in conflict zones or assisting in post-conflict reconstruction.
Today, more than 900 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Their task is to monitor the tense border between Israel and Lebanon, ensuring that violations of ceasefire agreements do not escalate into full-scale conflict. Similarly, Indian troops are stationed in regions like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Golan Heights, where they play crucial roles in maintaining peace and stability in some of the world’s most unstable regions.
India’s commitment goes beyond mere troop contributions. The country has provided 17 Force Commanders to UN missions, including leadership roles in some of the most challenging peacekeeping operations. Additionally, India’s contributions to the UN peacekeeping system have included significant logistical, engineering, and medical support. In 2007, India made history by deploying the first all-women peacekeeping unit to Liberia, demonstrating its commitment to both gender equality and international peace.
The Sacrifices of Indian Peacekeepers
The recent death of Brigadier Amitabh Jha serves as a reminder of the immense personal sacrifices that Indian military personnel make while serving as peacekeepers. Jha, who had been deployed in the Golan Heights as the acting commander of the Indian contingent, passed away due to medical reasons while on mission. His death adds to the growing list of Indian peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service to the UN.
In May 2024, Colonel Vaibhav Kale (retired), while working as a UN security coordinator in Gaza, was killed by an Israeli tank shell. Such tragedies, though rare, underscore the inherent dangers faced by peacekeepers who work in conflict zones. Since the 1950s, more than 179 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in various UN missions, highlighting the personal risks that these individuals take to ensure the safety and security of others.
These losses remind the international community of the challenges peacekeepers face in their vital work and the importance of ensuring their safety and security. Despite these risks, Indian peacekeepers continue to serve with unparalleled dedication, often in some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult environments.
India’s Role in Maintaining Global Peace
India’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations is not only a reflection of its military prowess but also a manifestation of its belief in multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution. The country has been involved in nearly every major UN peacekeeping mission, from the Korean Peninsula in the 1950s to the current peace operations in Africa and the Middle East. Indian forces have often played a leading role in restoring order and facilitating humanitarian aid in conflict-torn regions.
India has provided key leadership in various missions, with Indian officers serving as Force Commanders, Military Advisors, and even as Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General in complex peacekeeping operations. This leadership is not confined to combat; Indian peacekeepers are known for their role in rebuilding infrastructure, restoring law and order, and helping stabilize post-conflict regions.
One of the most notable contributions has been India’s provision of medical support to UN missions. Indian doctors, nurses, and medical personnel have treated thousands of civilians and peacekeepers, often under challenging conditions. Indian engineers and logistics personnel have rebuilt critical infrastructure such as schools, roads, and bridges, enabling war-torn communities to begin the slow process of recovery.
The Challenges and Future of UN Peacekeeping
As global conflicts evolve, the role of UN peacekeepers becomes increasingly complex. The rise of asymmetric warfare, the targeting of peacekeeping missions, and the politicization of peace processes have made peacekeeping operations more dangerous and difficult to execute. Recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have targeted UN positions, have raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of international peacekeeping efforts.
Despite these challenges, India’s commitment to supporting the UN’s peacekeeping mission remains unwavering. India continues to advocate for the strengthening of UN peacekeeping operations, pushing for better equipment, enhanced security measures, and greater cooperation between the UN and host nations. The country also calls for better protection for peacekeepers, emphasizing the importance of respecting the inviolability of UN personnel and their mandates under international law.