Rajnath Singh unveils ‘4C’ formula to strengthen UN peacekeeping, calls for reformed multilateralism
New Delhi, October 14. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 14 called for a new global approach to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping, centred on “Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination and Capacity Building” — a ‘4C’ formula aimed at tackling emerging security challenges and ensuring sustainable peace.
He was addressing senior military leaders from 32 UN troop-contributing countries (UNTCC) at the inaugural session of the Chiefs’ Conclave, being hosted by India for the first time at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi from October 14 to 16.
Singh highlighted that modern peacekeepers are increasingly deployed in volatile environments marked by terrorism, asymmetric warfare, fragile political settlements, and humanitarian crises. He urged countries with advanced technological and financial capabilities to enhance their contributions through troops, logistics, technology and specialised skills, emphasising that innovations such as secure communications, surveillance systems and unmanned platforms could make missions more effective and safer.
“Today’s challenges demand not only bravery but adaptability, innovation and a comprehensive mission-level approach involving political actors, donor nations and other stakeholders,” Singh said.
He warned that without meaningful reforms, the UN risks a “crisis of confidence” and called for reformed multilateralism that reflects global realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, and prioritises human welfare.
Reaffirming India’s long-standing commitment to the UN’s mission for global peace and security, the Defence Minister noted that over 2.9 lakh Indian personnel have served in more than 50 UN peacekeeping missions across the world.
“From the Congo and Korea to South Sudan and Lebanon, our soldiers, police and medical professionals have stood shoulder to shoulder with the international community,” he said, adding that India remains ready to contribute troops, share expertise and support reforms for more effective and accountable peacekeeping.
He also underlined the role of India’s Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, which has trained participants from over 90 countries to enhance preparedness and interoperability among peacekeepers. Under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, Singh said India has developed indigenous, cost-effective technologies – including land mobility platforms, secure communication systems, drones, and medical support solutions – that can strengthen peacekeeping missions.
Praising the growing participation of women in peacekeeping, the minister said their involvement enhances mission effectiveness and fosters trust with local communities. Recalling India’s all-women Formed Police Unit deployed in Liberia in 2007, he said their professionalism inspired local women to join the national police. Indian women officers, he added, continue to serve with distinction in South Sudan, Golan Heights, and Lebanon. In 2024, an Indian Army woman officer received the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her service in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Highlighting the humanitarian contributions of Indian medical teams, Singh noted that they have treated thousands of civilians and peacekeepers in UN field hospitals across Africa, reflecting the nation’s ethos of compassion and service.
He also reiterated that India’s aspiration to be a Vishwa Guru (global teacher) is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, not dominance.
“India, the land of Mahatma Gandhi, believes peace is not merely the absence of war but a positive state of justice, harmony and moral strength,” he said, adding that some nations’ attempts to undermine global rules make it imperative for countries like India to uphold a rules-based international order.
Earlier, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi welcomed the delegates, reaffirming India’s enduring commitment to UN peacekeeping and highlighting the Army’s focus on operational excellence, innovation and capacity building through the CUNPK. He emphasised the importance of interoperability and India’s indigenous defence technologies as scalable solutions for global peace efforts.
The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, and senior officers from India and abroad.
The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave, organised by the Indian Army, brings together senior military leaders from 32 nations – including Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Ghana, Italy, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam – to discuss operational challenges, evolving threats, technology integration and inclusive decision-making in UN peacekeeping. The three-day event also features defence exhibitions and collaborative sessions on capacity building, reflecting India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
