Picture Source: X//India at UN
India’s commitment to peacekeeping and peacebuilding was prominently highlighted during the recent session at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking at the Joint Debate on the ‘Report of the Peacebuilding Commission’ (PBC), Military Advisor Colonel Ashish Bhalla underscored India’s extensive efforts and strategic initiatives to support countries in the Global South.
India’s Role in Peacebuilding
Delivering India’s statement, Col. Bhalla emphasized the nation’s longstanding dedication to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. “The commission’s emphasis on education as a prevention and resilience-building mechanism underscores a progressive outlook towards peace-building. Education is a key component for building and sustaining peace. India has always played an important role in both peacekeeping and peacebuilding,” he said.
Highlighting the extensive development partnerships, he added, “We have engaged in peace-building through extensive development partnerships with countries in the Global South.”
Developmental Projects and Financial Contributions
Col. Bhalla pointed out that the cumulative value of India’s developmental projects now exceeds USD 40 billion, encompassing soft loans, grants, and capacity-building training programs. This substantial financial commitment showcases India’s unwavering support for global peace initiatives.
Commendation of PBC’s Efforts
Praising the PBC report of 2023, Col. Bhalla noted it as a testimony to the positive initiatives taken by the commission. “The forward-looking agenda is well-designed to address peace-building challenges and sustain peace in contemporary conflict settings,” he said.
He highlighted the PBC’s emphasis on regional maritime security, transnational organized crime, and terrorism as essential components for peacebuilding.
Regional Peace Initiatives
Col. Bhalla acknowledged the Peacebuilding Commission’s efforts in supporting regional peace initiatives, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region-led Luanda process and the East Africa community-led Nairobi process.
He also appreciated the PBC’s focus on the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in decision-making and political processes, advancing inclusive security sector reforms, and the institutionalization of the peace and security agenda.
Recognition of Leadership
Col. Bhalla congratulated Croatia for its leadership of the Peacebuilding Commission last year and Brazil for its current leadership. He highlighted the India UN Development Partnership Fund, established in 2017, as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and global development.
Future Directions and Commitments
Looking ahead, Col. Bhalla outlined India’s observations and recommendations for the Peacebuilding Commission. He stressed the need for the PBC to avoid duplicating the roles of other UN organs and public entities and to focus on marshalling resources for post-conflict recovery.
“I assure you of India’s sustained commitment to the purposes of peacebuilding, and we look forward to engaging constructively in the forthcoming peacebuilding architecture review,” he concluded.
