India Advocates Comprehensive UN Peacekeeping Reforms at UNTCC 2025

On October 14, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave held in New Delhi, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms within the United Nations. Singh pointed out that the current multilateral structures are outdated and increasingly unable to address contemporary global challenges. He warned that without meaningful reform, the UN risks a growing crisis of confidence, undermining its effectiveness in maintaining global peace and security. He stressed that a reformed multilateral system should reflect the interconnectedness of today’s world to ensure the UN can meet the challenges of the 21st century effectively.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses a gathering during the 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Monday, February, 24, 2025. (Photo: PTI) | Firstpost

India’s Commitment to Peacekeeping

During his address, Singh highlighted India’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping operations. He noted that nearly 290,000 Indian personnel have served in more than 50 missions worldwide, spanning countries such as Congo, Korea, South Sudan, and Lebanon. Singh paid tribute to the over 180 Indian peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives under the UN flag, honoring their courage and dedication. He emphasized that India views peacekeeping not as a voluntary choice, but as a fundamental duty and an expression of the nation’s commitment to global stability.

Strengthening Peacekeeping Effectiveness

Singh proposed a '4C formula'—Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building—to enhance the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions. He urged nations with advanced technological and financial resources to actively support peacekeeping operations, ensuring their sustainability. Highlighting the role of innovation, Singh emphasized the importance of secure communication systems, advanced surveillance, and unmanned platforms to make missions safer and more effective. He also underscored the value of inclusive participation, advocating for the expanded role of women in peacekeeping operations.

Upholding a Rules-Based International Order

The Defence Minister reiterated India’s dedication to an international rules-based order, noting that some countries often violate established norms. He stressed that India continues to advocate for a multilateral system rooted in fairness, law, and respect for sovereignty. Singh’s address reinforced India’s position as a responsible global actor committed to reforms that enable the UN to function efficiently and justly in a rapidly changing world.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has once again underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to global peace and multilateral cooperation during the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025. Addressing the pressing need for reforms in the UN system, Singh emphasized that existing multilateral structures are increasingly inadequate to tackle contemporary global challenges. He highlighted India’s long-standing contributions to peacekeeping, with nearly 290,000 personnel having served across more than 50 missions worldwide, honoring the sacrifices of over 180 Indian peacekeepers who lost their lives. By proposing a '4C formula'—Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building—Singh laid out a vision to strengthen the effectiveness, safety, and inclusiveness of UN peacekeeping operations, emphasizing innovation, technology, and the expanded role of women.

Singh’s address also reinforced India’s advocacy for a rules-based international order where fairness, law, and sovereignty are respected. He called on technologically advanced nations to actively support peacekeeping missions, ensuring their sustainability and effectiveness. India’s stance reflects a broader vision of global responsibility, where the country not only contributes manpower but also strategic ideas to modernize and enhance the UN’s capacity to maintain peace in an increasingly complex world. By championing reforms and inclusivity, India positions itself as a proactive leader in shaping a stronger, more accountable international peacekeeping framework.

(Sources: Firstpost, Economic Times, DD News)