The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025, hosted by the Indian Army from October 14-16 in New Delhi, wrapped up today with high-level discussions, ceremonial tributes, and a unified pledge to bolster United Nations peacekeeping amid evolving global threats.
Presidential Engagement and Call for Innovation
Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of India, met with Chiefs and representatives from UN Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She praised the vital role of Indian peacekeepers and commended all nations for their dedication to sustainable peace and prosperity. The President expressed delight at the conclave’s role in forging practical frameworks for future operations in a complex world. She urged greater stakeholder involvement and the strategic use of technology to foster deeper collaboration, lasting alliances, and enhanced safety for UN personnel.
Ministerial Address on Recalibrating Peacekeeping
External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar emphasized adapting UN peacekeeping to contemporary challenges. He noted shifts in conflict dynamics, including non-state actors and asymmetric warfare, and advocated for mandates developed in consultation with troop contributors and host nations. While affirming UN peacekeeping’s foundational role in global stability, Dr. Jaishankar called for pragmatic mandates, advanced technologies, and prioritized peacekeeper protection.
Technology Session: Harnessing Innovation for Effectiveness
An interactive forum on “Leveraging Technology in UN Peacekeeping” united TCC Chiefs, representatives, and 15 industry experts to discuss innovations and homegrown solutions. Key topics included boosting situational awareness, logistics, and troop safety via emerging tech, with opportunities for cross-sharing of capabilities to drive mutual gains.
Bilateral Engagements and Defense Cooperation
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi conducted bilateral talks with counterparts from Burundi, Tanzania, Poland, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Uganda. Focus areas encompassed defense ties, interoperability improvements, and aligned efforts for upcoming missions, embodying the conclave’s ethos of dialogue, partnership, and joint pursuit of peace, stability, and security.
Defence Expo Showcasing Indigenous Capabilities
A Defence Expo spanned nine domains with 41 exhibitors, highlighting India’s self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) defense ecosystem. Displays featured advanced indigenous weapons, platforms, and technologies, reflecting commitments to innovation, domestic manufacturing, and public-private partnerships.
Ceremonial Tributes and Sustainability Pledge
UNTCC Chiefs and spouses honored fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. This was followed by a tree-planting event at Manekshaw Centre, where Ashoka saplings were planted in the “Peacekeepers Grove” under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative—symbolizing gratitude, environmental stewardship, and the nurturing links between humanity and nature.
Key Takeaways: Pathways to Resilient Peacekeeping
The conclave ended with consensus on adapting UN operations through:
- Inclusive Governance: Amplifying voices of troop-contributing nations in decision-making.
- Peacekeeper Protection: Realistic mandates prioritizing safety.
- Technological Edge: Affordable, indigenous tools for mission success.
- Training and Interoperability: Robust frameworks for complex scenarios.
- Enduring Partnerships: Built on trust, cooperation, and mutual accountability.
Over three days, leaders from 32 nations, UN officials, policymakers, and industry figures engaged in deliberations, cultural exchanges, and demos—underscoring India’s leadership in collaborative consensus-building for a secure, equitable world.