India has called on the UN Security Council to prioritize the safety of peacekeepers and ensure justice for those who attack them, emphasizing that peacekeeping is far from a risk-free mission. \

Speaking at an open debate on advancing adaptability in UN peace operations, India’s UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish highlighted the growing threats peacekeepers face, including non-state actors, armed groups, terrorists, and advanced weaponry like drones and IEDs.

“Safety and security of peacekeepers must remain paramount,” Harish said, urging accountability for perpetrators amid increasingly complex conflicts. He stressed the need for troop-contributing countries to bolster training and capabilities to tackle these challenges.

India offered to share its expertise, including specialized courses at its Centre for UN Peacekeeping and advanced tech tools like surveillance and data analytics to enhance mission effectiveness.

Harish also criticized the chronic underfunding of peacekeeping missions, noting that resources must match mandates, especially for Global South nations providing most troops. With 5,384 personnel deployed across 10 missions, India remains a top contributor, having lost 180 peacekeepers—the highest toll of any nation.

He advocated for reforms, including involving troop-contributing countries in mandate decisions, rationalizing redundant missions, and crafting clear exit strategies to sustain peace. Harish underscored the vital role of women peacekeepers, citing India’s efforts to boost their participation, and emphasized that peacekeeping must align with political solutions and a reformed, representative UNSC.

India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping spans over 50 missions and nearly 300,000 troops. Harish paid tribute to over 4,000 fallen peacekeepers, including 182 Indians, calling for a memorial wall to honor their sacrifice. As conflicts evolve, India stands firm: peacekeeping must adapt, protect its own, and pursue justice to remain credible and effective.