UN Peacekeeping: India To Train Women From ASEAN
Context:
India is planning two initiatives for female personnel from South East Asia later this year in response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s proposal from last year for an initiative on “women in United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) operations” as part of enhancing defence cooperation between India and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations).
UN Peacekeeping Force 
- India has taken part in 49 UN peacekeeping deployments so far, displaying its dedication to upholding world peace and security.
- India has contributed significantly in terms of the deployment of troops. One of the greatest donors globally, India has more than 200,000 soldiers committed to UN peacekeeping operations.
- In addition to sending troops, India has also sent a sizable contingent of police officers to UN peacekeeping missions. These police officials are essential to upholding law and order, safeguarding citizens, and instructing neighbourhood police forces.
- Tragically, more than 160 Indian troops have given their lives in the line of duty while working for the UN. The bravery and commitment of Indian troops in their pursuit of maintaining peace are shown by their ultimate sacrifice.
- In 2014, India was the third-largest country (TCC) sending troops to UN peacekeeping missions. India sent 7,860 personnel to ten different UN peacekeeping missions during that year.
- Female Formed Police Unit: In 2014, India made history by sending out the first female-only UN police unit. This programme served as an example of India’s dedication to advancing gender equality and giving women more power in peacekeeping operations.
- India has actively contributed to positions of leadership within UN peacekeeping missions. It has given 14 Force Commanders, several Police Commissioners, two Military Advisors, two Police Advisors, one Deputy Military Advisor, and two Police Advisers. This demonstrates India’s proficiency and influence in peacekeeping missions.
- India has played a crucial role in peacebuilding efforts. It has shown its sustained dedication to peace consolidation by repeatedly serving on the Organisational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission.
Points to Ponder:
- India-ASEAN Initiative: India put forth an initiative on “women in United Nations Peacekeeping operations” as part of boosting defence ties between India and ASEAN. This demonstrates the dedication of both India and the ASEAN members to advance gender equality and advance world peace and security.
- Customised Training: As part of the project, India intends to provide women peacekeepers from ASEAN member states with customised training. In September, these courses will be offered at the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in India. The courses are designed to offer specialised training to improve the abilities and skills of female peacekeepers.
- Participation: Twenty peacekeepers, including two representatives from each ASEAN nation, will take part in the training programme. This inclusive strategy makes sure that female peacekeepers from different countries in the region can take advantage of the training and effectively participate in UNPK operations.
- Goals: The specially designed training will concentrate on addressing the unique difficulties faced by women in peacekeeping missions. Their knowledge in topics including conflict resolution, mediation, peacebuilding, and gender-sensitive approaches to peacekeeping would be improved through the training.
- Tabletop Exercise: A tabletop exercise created exclusively for women officers from ASEAN is another project within the India-ASEAN partnership. This exercise, which will combine other UNPK tasks, will happen in December. Participants can have talks and practise problem-solving in a simulated setting that is pertinent to peacekeeping operations.
- Exchange of Knowledge and Experience: The tabletop exercise will promote knowledge sharing among female officers from ASEAN nations. It will operate as a forum for the exchange of best practices, knowledge gained from experience, and fresh ideas for overcoming difficulties encountered in UNPK activities.
