New Delhi , August 22(HS):

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening women’s role in peacekeeping, as he interacted with women officers from 15 countries attending the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC-2025) in New Delhi.

Speaking at South Block, the Defence Minister underlined that India, the largest troop-contributing nation to UN missions, has consistently championed gender parity and inclusive leadership in conflict resolution. “Women officers are the torchbearers of change. Their participation makes peacekeeping more effective, inclusive and sustainable,” he said, stressing their unique ability to foster community trust, protect civilians, prevent sexual violence and inspire local women and children in conflict zones.

The course, organised by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, has brought together participants from Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay and Vietnam, along with 12 Indian officers and five interns.

During the event, Singh also released the commemorative Platinum Jubilee edition of UN Journal 2025 – Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping, reflecting India’s enduring contributions to global peace efforts.

UNWMOC-2025, being held from August 18–29 at the Manekshaw Centre, covers key aspects of modern peacekeeping—including humanitarian law, civilian protection, refugee management, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence—alongside field demonstrations and expert sessions by UN officials and Indian Army veterans.

“India stands firmly with women peacekeepers as they strengthen the very fabric of global security,” Singh asserted, calling their presence a microcosm of the UN’s spirit of unity and cooperation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar