New Delhi: The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025, hosted by the Indian Army from 14–16 October, concluded in New Delhi with high-level deliberations, solemn ceremonies, and a shared commitment to strengthening UN peacekeeping operations through innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.
The three-day Conclave brought together Army Chiefs and senior representatives from 32 nations, UN officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and shape a collective vision for more effective and future-ready peacekeeping missions.
President Murmu Calls for Collective Action and Technology Integration
The Chiefs and representatives of UN Troop Contributing Countries called on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Addressing the delegation, President Murmu lauded the positive contributions of Indian peacekeepers and commended the participating nations for their shared commitment to sustainable peace.
She emphasized the need to co-opt all stakeholders and leverage technology to ensure deeper cooperation, stronger partnerships, and enhanced safety of peacekeepers. “Coming together of countries at this Conclave will help evolve workable frameworks for future peacekeeping operations in a challenging world order,” she noted.
External Affairs Minister Advocates Recalibrated Peacekeeping Mandates
In his address, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the changing nature of conflicts marked by non-state actors and asymmetric warfare. He stressed the need for realistic and adaptive peacekeeping mandates, formulated through inclusive decision-making involving both troop-contributing and host nations.
Dr. Jaishankar reaffirmed that while UN peacekeeping remains central to global stability, it must evolve by integrating advanced technology, enhancing interoperability, and prioritizing the safety of personnel deployed in the field.
Technology and Innovation Take Center Stage
An interactive session on “Leveraging Technology in UN Peacekeeping” brought together Chiefs and Representatives of UNTCC and 15 industry leaders to explore how innovation can strengthen mission capabilities.
Discussions focused on the role of indigenous technologies in improving situational awareness, logistics, communications, and troop protection. The dialogue also enabled participating countries to identify opportunities for mutual collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of defence technology.
Bilateral Engagements to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
On the sidelines of the Conclave, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, held bilateral meetings with the Army Chiefs of Burundi, Tanzania, Poland, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Uganda. These discussions centered on enhancing defence cooperation, interoperability, and coordinated participation in future UN peacekeeping missions.
Such engagements reflected the Conclave’s overarching spirit of dialogue, partnership, and shared responsibility for global peace and security.
Defence Expo Showcases India’s Self-Reliance in Defence
A Defence Expo was organized as part of the event, featuring nine operational domains and 41 exhibitors. The exhibition showcased a wide range of indigenous weapon systems, defence platforms, and cutting-edge technologies, underlining India’s focus on Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.
The display demonstrated India’s growing capability to design, develop, and deploy advanced military systems, while fostering industry collaboration.
Honouring Sacrifice and Commitment to Peace
Earlier in the day, the UNTCC Chiefs, accompanied by their spouses, paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the sacrifice of India’s fallen heroes. A tree plantation ceremony followed at the Manekshaw Centre, where Ashoka saplings were planted in the ‘Peacekeepers Grove’ as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative—symbolizing sustainability, peace, and the bond between humanity and nature.
Key Takeaways and Future Path
The Conclave concluded with a unanimous commitment to reimagine peacekeeping for future challenges through:
- Inclusive decision-making with a stronger voice for troop-contributing nations.
- Realistic mandates prioritizing the safety and protection of peacekeepers.
- Greater use of indigenous, cost-effective technologies.
- Enhanced interoperability and advanced training frameworks.
- Sustained partnerships built on trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Over the course of three days, the UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 served as a platform to build consensus, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the foundations of global peacekeeping, reflecting India’s leadership and commitment to a secure and stable world order.
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