UN peacekeepers' meet: India doesn't invite Pak, China; reiterates troop policy

NEW DELHI: India has not invited Pakistan and China to a conclave of Army chiefs of UN troop-contributing nations here from October 14 to 16, even as officials reiterated New Delhi’s policy of not deploying troops to foreign conflict zones like Ukraine or Gaza unless explicitly mandated by the UNSC and under the UN flag.

Army deputy chief (IS&T) Lt-Gen Rakesh Kapoor said the meet, with senior military leaders from over 30 nations, will foster cooperation and “a stable international order.”

Asked about possible deployments, defence ministry joint secy Vishwesh Negi said such a move is “unlikely” given UNSC dynamics. Kapoor added, “India deploys troops overseas only under UN flag.”

India has been one of the largest contributors of troops for UN peacekeeping operations around the world since 1950s. “In 75 years, India has contributed over 2.9 lakh peacekeepers spread across 50 UN missions...182 peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice,” Lt-Gen Kapoor said.