UN TCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 Concludes with Global Call for Reforms in Peacekeeping Operations
Welcoming the global delegates, the President commended the selfless contributions of UN peacekeepers, emphasizing that their service exemplifies the highest ideals of humanity.
- Country:
- India
The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025, hosted by the Indian Army from 14–16 October 2025, concluded in New Delhi with a strong reaffirmation of global commitment to reform, innovation, and inclusivity in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Over three days, military chiefs, policymakers, and defence industry leaders from 32 nations came together to discuss how peacekeeping can adapt to modern challenges while remaining true to its humanitarian ideals.
The event — marked by high-level deliberations, solemn tributes, bilateral dialogues, and a showcase of indigenous defence technologies — highlighted India’s enduring leadership in peacekeeping and its advocacy for a collaborative, technology-driven approach to global security.
President Droupadi Murmu: “Peace Must Be Nurtured, Not Enforced”
The Conclave’s concluding session featured an address by President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who interacted with the Chiefs and representatives of participating countries during a ceremonial Call-On at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Welcoming the global delegates, the President commended the selfless contributions of UN peacekeepers, emphasizing that their service exemplifies the highest ideals of humanity. “UN Peacekeepers are not merely soldiers in uniform,” she said, “they are ambassadors of peace who carry the hopes of millions living in conflict zones.”
The President appreciated India’s peacekeeping legacy and acknowledged the shared commitment of troop-contributing nations towards sustainable peace and prosperity. She emphasized that the evolving global order calls for innovative frameworks that co-opt all stakeholders — including local communities, host governments, and international organizations — in building lasting peace.
Highlighting the role of technology and inclusivity, she noted, “We must exploit innovation and digital tools to ensure the safety of our peacekeepers and strengthen coordination between nations. Peacekeeping must become more participative, inclusive, and adaptive.”
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar: Reimagining Peacekeeping for the Modern Era
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a thought-provoking address on the transformation of global conflict dynamics. He underlined that the nature of warfare has evolved with the rise of non-state actors, hybrid threats, and asymmetric warfare, necessitating a strategic recalibration of peacekeeping doctrines.
“UN peacekeeping remains the cornerstone of global stability,” Dr. Jaishankar said, “but it must evolve with the times — through realistic mandates, enhanced cooperation, and the use of advanced technology to ensure the safety and effectiveness of peacekeepers.”
The Minister stressed that mandate-setting must be inclusive, allowing troop-contributing and host nations to play a decisive role in shaping mission objectives. His remarks were widely seen as an echo of India’s longstanding call for greater representation of the Global South in global security decision-making frameworks.
Harnessing Technology for Safer and Smarter Peacekeeping
A key highlight of the conclave was an Interactive Session on “Leveraging Technology in UN Peacekeeping”, which brought together military chiefs, UN representatives, and 15 industry leaders from the defence and tech sectors.
Discussions revolved around integrating emerging technologies such as AI-driven surveillance systems, unmanned aerial platforms, satellite communications, and logistics automation into peacekeeping operations. Delegates explored ways to enhance situational awareness, reduce risk to personnel, and improve mission coordination through innovation.
The session also showcased India’s commitment to indigenous technological development, reflecting its vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and its ability to offer cost-effective, scalable solutions for UN operations.
Defence Expo: Showcasing India’s Indigenous Defence Capabilities
As part of the conclave, the Indian Army organized a Defence Expo featuring nine operational domains and 41 exhibitors, displaying cutting-edge platforms and systems developed by Indian public and private defence industries.
The exhibition included advanced armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, communication systems, AI-enabled command tools, and counter-IED technologies — all designed and manufactured under India’s Make in India initiative.
The Expo not only demonstrated India’s growing technological prowess but also provided a platform for participating nations to explore defence partnerships, co-development, and technology-sharing opportunities.
“This exhibition reflects India’s determination to design, develop, and deliver indigenous solutions that empower peacekeepers and enhance global security,” said an Army spokesperson.
Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Defence Cooperation
On the sidelines of the conclave, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, held a series of bilateral meetings with the Army Chiefs of Burundi, Tanzania, Poland, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Uganda.
The discussions focused on expanding defence collaboration, joint training, and interoperability between forces engaged in UN peacekeeping. These interactions reaffirmed India’s role as a key partner in capacity building and its commitment to multilateral military cooperation.
Honouring Sacrifice and Promoting Sustainability
The conclave began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where delegates and their spouses paid homage to India’s fallen soldiers. The tribute was followed by a tree plantation ceremony at the Manekshaw Centre, symbolizing the joint pledge of the participating nations to peace, sustainability, and ecological responsibility.
The saplings, planted under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” were Ashoka trees — symbolic of peace, continuity, and the eternal cycle of renewal. The gesture beautifully captured the spirit of global solidarity and India’s belief that peace and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Key Takeaways: A Shared Global Vision for Future Peacekeeping
The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 concluded with a strong consensus on the need to modernize UN peacekeeping operations and adapt them to contemporary challenges. The key recommendations adopted by the delegates included:
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Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensuring that troop-contributing nations have a stronger voice in shaping mission mandates and policies.
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Safety and Security of Peacekeepers: Implementing realistic and achievable mission objectives to safeguard personnel.
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Technological Integration: Leveraging indigenous, cost-effective innovations for improved mission performance.
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Interoperability and Training: Building shared frameworks for joint training and preparedness in complex environments.
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Sustained Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration rooted in trust, shared values, and collective responsibility.
A Testament to India’s Leadership in Global Peacekeeping
Over three days, the Conclave served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation. It not only reinforced India’s reputation as one of the largest and most dependable contributors to UN peacekeeping missions but also underscored its growing leadership in shaping the future of international security governance.
As the event concluded, delegates expressed deep appreciation for India’s initiative in hosting the conclave and for its continued advocacy for a more inclusive, secure, and technology-driven approach to peacekeeping.
In the words of President Murmu, “Together, as custodians of peace, we must enable a world where every child sleeps in safety, every community thrives in harmony, and conflicts are relegated to the pages of history.”
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