United Nations, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India is currently contributing personnel to nine of the United Nations’ 11 active peacekeeping mandates, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said while addressing the General Assembly, highlighting the country’s continuing role in international peacekeeping.
“Right now, our contingents are present in 9 out of 11 mandates,” Jaishankar said, adding that Indian troops had carried out their responsibilities firmly and professionally, including in challenging circumstances.
The United Nations currently has 11 peacekeeping operations, with mandates for individual missions established by the Security Council according to the conflicts and situations they are tasked with addressing.
Jaishankar also highlighted the recognition received by an Indian woman combat helicopter pilot, who was awarded the UN’s 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award. He did not identify the officer or specify the mission in which she served.
The External Affairs Minister said India’s contribution to global peace extended beyond military deployments. He cited the country’s provision of medical supplies to conflict zones, areas facing epidemics and regions affected by natural disasters.
He referred to India’s early assistance following flash floods in Nepal and an earthquake in Venezuela, besides programmes aimed at addressing shortages of food, medicines, energy and fertilisers. India has also supported limb-fitment camps in other countries, he said.
“Given the state of the world, each member of the UN must ask themselves what they can do,” Jaishankar said, pointing to development projects, emergency assistance and peacekeeping deployments as areas where India has contributed.
Jaishankar said peace should not be understood merely as the absence of war, arguing that stability, security and predictability were also essential to sustaining peace.
He urged countries to treat peace as a continuing commitment and concluded his address by invoking Mahatma Gandhi: “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.”
India has a long record of contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping. UN data notes that Indian peacekeepers have served in some of the organisation’s most challenging missions, with more than 180 Indian personnel having lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.
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