President Murmu Lauds UN Peacekeepers at Army Chiefs’ Conclave, Calls for Inclusive and Participative Peacebuilding

In her address, President Murmu extended a warm welcome to the delegates, describing them as “proud representatives of the best values and ethos of their nations.”

In a stirring address that celebrated courage, cooperation, and global solidarity, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu welcomed the Chiefs and Vice-Chiefs of Army from United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 16, 2025. The distinguished gathering, attended by military leaders and their spouses, marked a significant moment in global peacekeeping dialogue and reaffirmed India’s longstanding commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.

The meeting was held as part of the Army Chiefs’ Conclave for UN Troop Contributing Countries, an event designed to foster collaboration, mutual learning, and strategic discussions among nations that contribute to United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world.

Honouring Global Guardians of Peace

In her address, President Murmu extended a warm welcome to the delegates, describing them as “proud representatives of the best values and ethos of their nations.” She acknowledged their collective dedication to sustainable peace and prosperity, and commended the experience, discipline, and commitment they bring to international peacekeeping efforts.

The President reflected on the extensive history of the United Nations peacekeeping missions, noting that UN peacekeepers have been deployed in 71 different missions across the globe, serving in some of the world’s most volatile regions. She lauded their exemplary courage, compassion, and sacrifice, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.

“UN Peacekeepers deployed in remote and far-flung corners of the world have demonstrated not only bravery in the line of duty but also a rare compassion that gives hope to those living amid conflict,” she said.

India’s Enduring Commitment to UN Peacekeeping

Reiterating India’s unwavering support for multilateralism, President Murmu emphasized that as the world’s largest democracy, India remains deeply committed to the principles of peace, cooperation, and rule of law as enshrined in the UN Charter.

India has been one of the largest and most consistent contributors to UN peacekeeping operations since their inception in 1948. Over 275,000 Indian troops have served in 49 UN missions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America — a contribution that continues to earn global respect.

She highlighted that Indian peacekeepers have served with distinction in challenging missions such as those in Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Somalia, where they not only maintained order but also provided humanitarian assistance and capacity-building support to local populations.

“India is proud to be a steadfast contributor to UN Peacekeeping. Our soldiers have upheld the finest traditions of bravery, professionalism, and human empathy,” the President said.

Advancing Gender Inclusion in Peacekeeping

The President took special note of India’s pioneering role in promoting gender inclusion within UN peace operations. India was the first country to deploy an all-women Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia in 2007 — a move that inspired greater female participation globally.

She emphasized that women peacekeepers have played a transformative role in building trust and fostering community engagement in conflict zones.

“In the journey of peacekeeping, India has made appreciable strides in gender inclusion. Women peacekeepers empower local communities and act as bridges of understanding,” she observed.

A Call for Greater Voice and Representation

President Murmu underscored that troop-contributing nations — the backbone of UN peace operations — must be given a stronger voice in shaping peacekeeping mandates and operational frameworks. She urged for a collective effort to reform global peacekeeping governance, ensuring that the insights and experiences of TCCs inform mission planning, implementation, and evaluation.

She also advocated for enhanced engagement with local stakeholders, asserting that true and lasting peace can only be achieved when it is “nurtured through participative processes rather than imposed externally.”

The President’s remarks resonated strongly with the theme of the conclave — “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Peace” — which aims to bridge operational experience with strategic leadership.

Deepening International Cooperation and Friendship

The President expressed confidence that the Army Chiefs’ Conclave and similar forums would serve as vital platforms for sharing best practices, strengthening trust, and deepening military-to-military cooperation among nations dedicated to global peace.

She highlighted that such exchanges not only strengthen the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions but also foster enduring friendships and cross-cultural understanding among the armed forces of different countries.

“Together, as custodians of peace, we should strive to build a world where every child sleeps in safety, every community thrives in harmony, and conflicts are relegated to the pages of history,” she said in her concluding remarks.

India’s Role as a Thought Leader in Peacekeeping

The Indian Army, which hosts the conclave, continues to play a central role in advancing the professionalization and modernization of UN peacekeeping. Through initiatives like the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, India has trained thousands of peacekeepers from over 100 countries, sharing expertise in civil–military coordination, protection of civilians, and post-conflict recovery.

India has also been at the forefront of advocating for technology-enabled peacekeeping, emphasizing the use of drones, satellite imagery, and digital data systems to enhance situational awareness and mission safety.

The 2025 Conclave thus reinforced India’s dual identity as both a committed contributor and a thought leader in the evolving global peacekeeping architecture.

A Shared Commitment to a Peaceful Future

President Droupadi Murmu’s address at Rashtrapati Bhavan encapsulated India’s moral and strategic vision for global peace — one rooted in cooperation, inclusivity, and humanity. Her remarks served as both a tribute to the men and women who serve under the UN flag and a call to strengthen international frameworks that support sustainable peace.

As nations continue to navigate the complexities of modern conflict and humanitarian crises, India’s message stood clear: peacekeeping is not just about conflict resolution — it is about building bridges of trust, compassion, and shared destiny.