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In a display of global cooperation and commitment to gender-inclusive peacekeeping, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with women military officers from 15 countries, who are currently participating in the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC) 2025 in New Delhi.
The course, running from August 18 to 29 at the Manekshaw Centre, has brought together women officers from across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, alongside Indian counterparts. The initiative, organised by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) under the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs, aims to build the professional capabilities of women in uniform for effective deployment in multidimensional UN peace operations.
During an interaction held at South Block, the Defence Minister hailed the presence of international participants as a symbol of global unity and collective commitment to peace. “Your presence represents the true spirit of the United Nations, diverse nations united by a shared vision of global peace and security,” he said.
India’s Commitment to Gender Equality in Peacekeeping
As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, India has consistently supported the integration of women into global peace efforts. Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment for women in the armed forces.
“We are committed to enhancing gender parity, encouraging inclusive leadership, and building a world where peace flourishes through diversity and equality,” he said. “India will continue to collaborate with the UN and troop-contributing countries to empower women peacekeepers and ensure equal opportunities to lead and serve.”
He described women peacekeepers as “torchbearers of change”, acknowledging their unique ability to foster trust within conflict-affected communities, particularly among women and children. “Women officers bring vital perspectives to peace operations. Their presence helps prevent sexual violence, enhances humanitarian outreach, and inspires local women to take on active roles in peacebuilding,” he noted.
An International Forum for Knowledge Exchange
The 2025 edition of UNWMOC features participation from countries including Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay, and Vietnam. Twelve Indian women officers and five interns are also attending the course, making it a vibrant platform for professional development and intercultural exchange.
Launch of Peacekeeping Journal
As part of the event, the minister also released a special publication titled ‘Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping’, commemorating India’s platinum jubilee in UN peace operations. The journal highlights India’s extensive contributions, innovative practices, and strategic vision for the future of peacekeeping.
Drawing a metaphor from the iconic UN blue helmets, Singh remarked, “Like the sky, peacekeepers offer shelter and reassurance; like the ocean, they connect nations and build bridges across cultures.”
Training Focus and Practical Demonstration
The course curriculum covers a wide range of critical issues in modern peacekeeping, including International Humanitarian Law, Protection of Civilians, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and Child Protection. Experts are delivering sessions from the United Nations, the Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian Army veterans. A field demonstration by an infantry unit designated for a UN mission is also planned to offer hands-on exposure to real-world operational scenarios.
High-Level Presence
The interaction was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior defence officials, highlighting the importance India places on building global peacekeeping capacity through inclusive training and leadership.
