The paradox of Indiaapos;s peacekeeping

Abstract

India's peacekeeping role is paradoxical; it is a regional belligerent but also a global peacekeeper. India's long-standing disputes with Pakistan over Kashmir and its reluctance to support the United Nation (UN) presence in the disputed territory are widely known. But little is said about India's active involvement in UN peace missions overseas. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate India's growing support for UN peacekeeping operations abroad. While this is reflected in its consistency and size of participation, India's pro-active commitment can be also seen in the way it responds to the growing demands and challenges of post-Cold War peacekeeping operations. To date, India has been making large and simultaneous troop commitments in more operations than in the past. Along with this, India's willingness to take risks and sustain its commitment in hazardous operations has demonstrated its ‘reliability’ as a peacekeeper. While India takes an eager interest to participate and contribute actively to UN peacekeeping operations, India is highly motivated by the need to enhance its international identity and political image within the UN. This provides India with opportunities to not only further strengthen and increase its presence within the UN, but also to be considered as a favourable candidate for a permanent seat on the Security Council.