The North News
New Delhi, October 16
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday urged for a “renewed vision” for global peacekeeping, stressing the need to adapt to evolving conflicts, geopolitical shifts, and the aspirations of the Global South. Speaking at the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar said peacekeeping remains one of the most powerful instruments of multilateralism. “We must work collectively, constructively, and by consensus to shape a renewed vision of peacekeeping,” he said.
He underlined that global challenges such as pandemics, terrorism, economic instability, and climate change transcend borders and require cooperation beyond competitive politics. Jaishankar highlighted India’s deep commitment to United Nations peacekeeping, recalling that more than 300,000 Indian troops have served in missions across the world. “Our peacekeepers have been a powerful force for good,” he said, paying tribute to the over 4,000 UN and 182 Indian personnel who have died in the line of duty.
Calling for urgent UN reforms, he said the organisation still reflects “the realities of 1945, not 2025,” and warned that institutions that fail to adapt risk “irrelevance and eroding legitimacy.”
He flagged seven key concerns for future peacekeeping operations, including realistic mandates, adequate resources, consultation with troop-contributing countries, better use of technology, and stronger protection for peacekeepers.
Jaishankar also noted the changing nature of conflicts, involving non-state actors and asymmetric threats such as cyber warfare, demanding new strategies, enhanced training, and better equipment.
He underlined the role of women in peacekeeping and cited India’s hosting of the first international conference of women peacekeepers from the Global South. “Let us commit to working together to shape a renewed vision of peacekeeping—one that honours the past, adapts to the present, and commits to the promise of the future,” he concluded.
