“It is essential that we continue to increase the representation of women in peacekeeping,” EAM Dr Jaishankar said.
The first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers from 35 troops contributing countries kicked off in New Delhi on Monday.
The two-day conference is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK).

Speaking on the occasion, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said India has been at the forefront of deploying women in peacekeeping roles, both military and police. This conference is taking place when this year marks 25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

Emphasizing the importance of the participation of women in peace operations and its impact on making it more diverse and inclusive, he said, “It is essential that we continue to increase the representation of women in peacekeeping,” EAM Dr Jaishankar said.

“This is not only a matter of quantity but equally of quality. Women peacekeepers often have unique access to local communities, acting as role models for women in conflict zones. Training courses tailored to include modules sensitizing peacekeepers to issues related to women will enhance the effectiveness of peace operations,” the EAM added.

Arguing that India remains committed to supporting Global South nations in building their peacekeeping capacities, he said, “Through initiatives led by the Centre for UN Peacekeeping, India will continue to offer training and capacity-building programs, including courses specifically designed for women peacekeepers, as we did with ASEAN countries in 2023.”

“At the heart of our foreign policy lies a commitment to peacekeeping—rooted in dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation. Guided by the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” the belief that the world is one family, India will continue to contribute meaningfully to the cause of UN peacekeeping,” he added.

Highlighting India’s record of deploying women for the UN peacekeeping operations, the EAM said the first chapter of this journey began in the 1960s, when Indian women, as medical officers, were deployed in Congo.

In 2007, India was the first to deploy an all-women Formed Police Unit in Liberia—a pioneering initiative that had an indelible impact on both the host community and the broader UN framework.

Over the years, this initiative empowered Liberian women, increasing their participation in security sectors. Today, India proudly continues this legacy, with over 150 women peacekeepers deployed across six critical missions, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Western Sahara, and Abyei.

India has produced a multitude of exemplary women peacekeepers who have inspired others globally. Dr. Kiran Bedi, who served as the first woman UN Police Advisor, Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, recipients of the UN Military Gender Advocate Award in 2019 and 2023 respectively, and Seema Dhundia, who led the first all-women Formed Police Unit in Liberia—these are just a few who have blazed a trail for others to follow.

Since the 1950s, India has contributed over 290,000 peacekeepers across more than 50 missions. In fact, India remains the largest Troop Contributing Country to this day.

Currently, more than 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine of the eleven active missions, often in challenging and hostile environments, with a singular focus: the advancement of global peace and security.

In this pursuit, India has unfortunately lost nearly 180 peacekeepers, whose supreme sacrifices are etched in the history of our collective endeavors forever. One such individual, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, posthumously honored with the Param Vir Chakra for his courage during the UN Mission in Congo, remains a beacon of inspiration. "His is the singular case of this highest honor being awarded for operations conducted abroad," the EAM said.