India’s role in UN peacekeeping is nothing short of monumental. Since 1948, the country has contributed over 200,000 personnel to 49 of the 71 UN missions worldwide, making it one of the largest troop contributors. India women peacekeepers have also challenged gender norms leading from the front in several conflict zones worldwide.
New Delhi Hosts conference on ‘Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective’
New Delhi is hosting the first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers, themed “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective.” Organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on 24-25 February in New Delhi. The conference is bring together women peacekeepers from 35 Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) across the Global South. The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will deliver the keynote address, while the United Nations will be represented by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Christian Saunders, UN Special Coordinator. The participants will also call on President Draupadi Murmu later.
At the heart of this conference lies the remarkable story of Indian women peacekeepers, who have redefined the field with courage and compassion. In 2007, India made history by deploying the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia. This 103-strong contingent, supported by 22 men for logistics, provided round-the-clock security. Stationed in Monrovia, the team conducted night patrols, guarded key installations, and trained local police during Liberia’s fragile post-conflict recovery. Today, India continues this legacy, with over 150 women among its 5,384 personnel deployed across 10 UN missions. Their contributions span military, police, and medical roles, bringing unique strengths to volatile environments
So far, 168 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives under the UN flag. Beyond numbers, India has shaped peacekeeping through innovation and leadership, particularly in advancing gender inclusion. The Centre for UN Peacekeeping in Delhi, a global benchmark for training, equips peacekeepers with skills to navigate complex conflict zones, while India’s efforts to counter misinformation and refine UN policies further amplify its influence.
Indian women peacekeepers excel in building trust with local communities, particularly women and children affected by conflict. In Abyei, Sudan, they have adapted patrol routes to protect marginalized groups, creating safer spaces and fostering healing through cultural sensitivity. Major Radhika Sen, awarded the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year for her work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, exemplifies this impact. Her efforts with MONUSCO highlighted how women enhance operational outcomes—missions with greater female representation consistently strengthen community ties and contribute to lasting peace. Similarly, In Abyei, Sudan, women like Captain Seema Gowdar have adapted patrol strategies to protect vulnerable civilians, particularly women and children, while building trust with local communities.
The New Delhi conference is more than a gathering—it’s a platform to amplify these achievements and address evolving challenges like technology in peacekeeping and regional collaboration. Jean-Pierre Lacroix has praised India as a “cornerstone” of UN peacekeeping, noting that its women are “redefining peacekeeping itself.” With participants from 50 Global South nations, the event will foster peer support and professional growth, reinforcing India’s pioneering role. As the world watches, this conference will spotlight how Indian women peacekeepers have helped bring peace in conflict zones globally. From Liberia’s streets to Congo’s jungles, they are architects of peace, proving that gender equity in peacekeeping is not just a goal but a game-changer for global security.