At UNTCC Conclave, Jaishankar Calls for Realistic Mandates and Safety of Peacekeepers

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday (16 October) outlined seven major areas of concern to strengthen global peacekeeping operations and enhance coordination between member nations.

He was addressing the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries' (UNTCC) Chiefs' Conclave.

Jaishankar emphasized that consultation is essential while formulating mandates for peacekeeping missions.

Both the troop-contributing countries and the host states, he said, must be involved in these discussions to ensure realistic and implementable outcomes.

He stated that troop-contributing countries and host states must be consulted while formulating mandates of peacekeeping missions. He added that peacekeeping can only be effective if mandates are commensurate with the resources allocated to the missions.

He underscored that peacekeeping can only be effective when mandates align with available resources and that these mandates must remain both clear and achievable.

Stressing the principle of sovereignty, he noted that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the host state.

Highlighting the growing role of innovation, Jaishankar remarked that technology serves as a “force multiplier” in peacekeeping efforts.

He reaffirmed India’s readiness to act as a “technology demonstrator” to boost operational capacities through innovation.

The Minister also pointed to the rising challenge of misinformation, calling for stronger strategic communication and use of information and communication technology (ICT) to counter disinformation.

Jaishankar underscored that the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain paramount, insisting that those responsible for attacks on peacekeeping forces must be "brought to justice".

India, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, has long advocated reforms to make peace operations more effective, inclusive, and technologically advanced.

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