India Opens UN Peacekeeping Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi With Calls for Reform and Modernization

Overview

• Delegations from 32 troop-contributing nations convened at the Manekshaw Centre for the October 14–16 conclave, with UN peace operations chief Jean‑Pierre Lacroix participating.
• Singh proposed a 4C approach—consultation, cooperation, coordination, and capacity‑building—while underscoring India’s record of roughly 300,000 personnel across 51 missions and expanded roles for women peacekeepers.
• India spotlighted indigenous, cost‑effective technologies for peacekeeping, including secure communications, surveillance systems, UAVs, medical support and land mobility platforms.
• Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi warned that hybrid warfare, disruptive technologies and disinformation demand interoperable, tech‑integrated forces, faster deployment and more flexible Chapter VI/VII mission mandates.
• Facing budget constraints, Dwivedi said missions may rely on fewer boots and greater technology with a tilt toward preventive diplomacy, as bilateral meetings—such as Indo‑French talks on training, counter‑terrorism and defence tech—unfold on the sidelines.