Expand UN Security Council with India as a permanent member: Defence Minister

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called to make the UN decision-making bodies, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), more reflective of the demographic realities of the world.

“When India, the most populous nation, does not find a seat as a permanent member of the UNSC, it tends to undermine the moral legitimacy of the UN. Therefore, the time has come for making the UN bodies more democratic and representative of the current realities of our age,” Rajnath Singh said.

Earlier the Minister of external affairs and India’s Permanent Representative at the UN headquarters made similar appeals asking for the inclusion of India in the decision-making bodies of the UN including the UNSC.

Rajnath was addressing a special commemorative seminar organised by the Indian Army to celebrate 75 years of UN Peacekeeping today in New Delhi.

Rajnath Singh also commended the role of UN peacekeeping operations and explained the enthusiastic global support for such missions through the economic concept of ‘externalities.

He explained that the positive externality of peace and the negative externality of war drives the UN peacekeeping missions along with the responsible nations, to act towards resolving any conflict. This leads to the deployment of UN peacekeeping missions in conflict zones.

“When there is a conflict, it harms the directly involved actors. Moreover, it has negative externalities for those involved indirectly. There is a plethora of negative externalities that have emanated out of the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict. It has led to the food crisis in various African & Asian countries and has fuelled an energy crisis worldwide.”

Rajnath Singh also highlighted the challenges the peacekeepers face today and stressed the need to invest more in training, technology & resources for their safety and productivity.

He also advocated for the meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operations, emphasising that their unique contribution during missions in conflict-affected areas must be recognised.

India has a rich legacy of contribution to UN Peacekeeping operations and is one of the most significant contributors of troops. It has contributed approximately 2.75 lakh troops to peacekeeping missions, with around 5,900 troops currently deployed in 12 UN missions.

The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to all the Indians who have served or are currently serving as UN peacekeepers. “Our courageous soldiers, police personnel and civilian experts have demonstrated exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause of peace. They have selflessly served in some of the most challenging and dangerous environments, embodying the spirit of peacekeeping and upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Their unwavering commitment, professionalism and sacrifices inspire us all,” he said.

175 Indian peacekeepers have so far died while serving with the United Nations. India has lost more peacekeepers than any other UN Member State.

Rajnath Singh extended his condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty and offered them the Government’s support. He called for honouring the sacrifices of the peacekeepers by building a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world.

“Let us renew our commitment to promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation among & within the nations. Together, we can build a future where everyone can live in peace, harmony, and dignity,” Rajnath added.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed on May 29 every year to honour the professionalism, dedication & courage of those serving in UN peacekeeping operations and remember those who have laid down their lives for the cause of peace.

The theme for this year’s observance, ‘Peace Begins with Me’, recognises the contribution and efforts of UN peacekeepers alongside many partners. Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 missions globally, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.