India has a long and close relationship with the United Nations (UN). It is a founding member of the UN (24th October 1945) and has been a strong supporter of its principles and goals. India has also played a significant role in the UN’s work, including in peacekeeping, development, and humanitarian assistance. India’s contributions to the UN are significant and wide-ranging. They reflect India’s commitment to international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. India is a valued partner of the UN and its work to address the challenges of the 21st century.
The Past and the Present…
The history of the India-UN relationship can be traced back to the early days of the UN. In 1942, India signed the Declaration by the United Nations, which was a commitment to fight against the Axis powers during World War II. India then participated in the UN Conference on International Organization in San Francisco in 1945, where it played a key role in drafting the UN Charter.
After the UN was founded, India continued to be a strong supporter of its work. It has served on the UN Security Council seven times and has been a member of the UN General Assembly since its inception. India has also contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping missions, development programs, and humanitarian assistance efforts.
In recent years, the India-UN relationship has become even stronger. India has played a leading role in the UN’s efforts to combat climate change, promote sustainable development, and address global security challenges. It has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of developing countries and has played a key role in the Non-Aligned Movement. The India-UN relationship is a mutually beneficial one. The UN provides India with a platform to promote its interests and values, while India provides the UN with valuable resources and expertise. The relationship is likely to become even more important in the years to come, as India becomes a more powerful and influential country.
Some of the pivotal aspects of the India-UN Relationship include the following:
- Peacekeeping: India is the largest contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions. To date, over 2,44,500 Indian personnel have served in 49 UN Peacekeeping Missions. India has also played a leading role in developing UN peacekeeping doctrine and training.
- Development: The UN provides significant assistance to India’s development efforts. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), for example, has been working with India for over 50 years to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the lives of its people.
- Humanitarian assistance: The UN provides humanitarian assistance to India in times of need. For example, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has provided food assistance to millions of people in India during droughts, floods, and other natural disasters.
- Disarmament and non-proliferation: India is a strong supporter of the UN’s disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. It is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has played a leading role in the negotiations on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
- Sustainable development: India is committed to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN is providing support to India in its efforts to achieve these goals, such as through the UN Sustainable Development Framework Partnership for India.
In a nutshell, below are some of the key milestones in the India-UN relationship:
- 1942: India signed the Declaration by the United Nations.
- 1945: India participates in the UN Conference on International Organization and becomes a founding member of the UN.
- 1946: India becomes a member of the UN Security Council for the first time.
- 1950: India contributes troops to the UN’s first peacekeeping mission, the UN Security Force in Palestine (UNTSO).
- 1960: India is a co-sponsor of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
- 1974: India detonates its first nuclear device, leading to a period of estrangement with the UN.
- 1991: India returns to the UN Security Council for a second term.
- 2000: India hosts the UN Millennium Summit.
- 2012: India is elected to the UN Security Council for a third term.
- 2023: India is a leading voice in the UN’s efforts to address climate change and sustainable development.
India’s Contribution to The UN Peacekeeping Force…
India is the largest contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions. To date, over 2,44,500 Indian personnel (including the Women Officers) have served in 49 UN peacekeeping missions. India has also played a leading role in developing UN peacekeeping doctrine and training. The Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was first deployed in 1950 when India contributed troops to the UN Security Force in Palestine (UNTSO). Since then, the IPKF has been deployed in a variety of missions around the world, including in Congo, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Somalia.
The IPKF has a long and proud history of service in UN peacekeeping missions. Indian peacekeepers have been praised for their professionalism, dedication, and courage. They have often been deployed in dangerous and difficult conditions, and they have made significant contributions to the maintenance of peace and security in some of the world’s most troubled regions.
In addition to its contributions to manpower, India has also made significant contributions to UN peacekeeping in other ways. India has provided training to UN peacekeepers from other countries, and it has developed new peacekeeping technologies and equipment. India has also been a vocal advocate for the reform of UN peacekeeping, and it has played a leading role in the development of new peacekeeping mandates and strategies.
The Indian Peacekeeping Force is a valuable asset to the UN. Indian peacekeepers have made significant contributions to the maintenance of peace and security around the world. India is a committed partner of the UN, and it is likely to continue to play a leading role in UN peacekeeping in the years to come.
Some of the best qualities that the UN IPKF has adhered to, throughout these years include:
- Professionalism: Indian peacekeepers are known for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication. They are well-trained and equipped, and they are always willing to put their lives on the line to protect civilians and uphold the UN Charter.
- Dedication: Indian peacekeepers are dedicated to their mission and the principles of the UN. They are willing to serve in difficult and dangerous conditions, and they are always willing to go the extra mile to help others.
- Courage: Indian peacekeepers have shown great courage in the face of danger. They have been deployed in some of the world’s most volatile and dangerous regions, and they have often been called upon to protect civilians from harm.
- Innovation: Indian peacekeepers have been at the forefront of innovation in UN peacekeeping. They have developed new technologies and techniques to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.
- Partnership: Indian peacekeepers have worked closely with peacekeepers from other countries to build trust and cooperation. They have also worked with local communities to promote peace and reconciliation.
The contributions of the IPKF to UN peacekeeping have been significant and far-reaching. Indian peacekeepers have helped to save lives, prevent conflict, and build peace in some of the world’s most troubled regions. They are a valuable asset to the UN, and they are a source of pride for India.
The Conclusion…
The India-UN relationship is constantly evolving and is likely to become even more important in the years to come. As India becomes a more powerful and influential country, it is expected to play an even greater role in the UN’s work.
In addition to the above, India has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of developing countries and has played a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement. It is also a member of the G4 group of countries that are seeking permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
Overall, the India-UN relationship is strong and mutually beneficial. India is a valued partner of the UN and its work to promote peace, development, and human rights.