Overview

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the government is strengthening policies to increase recruitment, integration and leadership opportunities for women in the armed forces and UN contingents.
• UNWMOC-2025 is underway in New Delhi from August 18–29, hosted by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping under the defence and external affairs ministries.
• Participants include 12 Indian officers alongside women officers from 15 nations, with sessions led by speakers from the UN, the Indian Army, the Ministry of External Affairs and international organisations.
• The curriculum covers international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, conflict-related sexual violence, child protection, and issues facing refugees and internally displaced people, with a field demonstration by a battalion nominated for UN duty planned.
• Singh said women peacekeepers strengthen trust with local communities, help prevent sexual violence, and improve humanitarian access, and he unveiled the Blue Helmet Odyssey 75-year journal on India’s peacekeeping legacy.