Chiefs and Vice-Chiefs of Army from 32 friendly nations, along with their spouses, participating in the Army Chiefs’ Conclave for United Nations Troop Contributing Countries, met with the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 16, 2025.
President’s Address: Upholding Peace and Multilateralism
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the attendees as proud representatives of their nations’ values and ethos, bringing together extensive experience and a shared commitment to sustainable peace and prosperity. She emphasized India’s steadfast belief in multilateralism and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter as the world’s largest democracy.
India’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping
The President noted that India has been a dedicated contributor to UN peacekeeping since its inception. Indian peacekeepers have served with distinction in some of the most challenging missions worldwide, demonstrating courage and compassion in remote regions. She also highlighted India’s progress in gender inclusion, with women peacekeepers empowering local communities and fostering trust.
Global Impact of UN Peacekeeping
President Murmu acknowledged the global impact of UN peacekeeping, with 71 missions deployed across the world to mitigate the suffering of vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and the elderly. Currently, nearly 68,000 personnel, over 90% of whom are uniformed, serve in 11 active UN peacekeeping operations, showcasing exemplary dedication.
Advancing Peacekeeping Frameworks
The President called for stronger frameworks to amplify the voice of troop-contributing countries and foster active engagement with local stakeholders. She stressed that peace should be nurtured through participatory processes rather than enforced, creating lasting harmony in conflict-affected regions.
Role of Technology and Collaboration
President Murmu expressed optimism about the Army Chiefs’ Conclave, noting that discussions on leveraging technology and fostering cooperation will lead to innovative solutions and enduring partnerships. She underscored the potential of technology to amplify the collective commitment to humanity in peacekeeping efforts.
A Vision for Global Peace
Concluding her address, the President urged all nations to renew their pledge to the UN Charter, envisioning a world where every child sleeps in safety, every community thrives in harmony, and conflicts are consigned to history. She praised the peacekeepers for their sacrifices and service, saluting their compassion and bravery.
Full Text of President Droupadi Murmu’s Address
Rashtrapati Bhavan, October 16, 2025
I extend a very warm welcome to each one of you to India. As the largest democracy, India firmly believes in multilateralism and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. Your presence here reaffirms our shared commitment to world peace.
United Nations peacekeepers have been deployed in 71 missions across the globe, with nearly 68,000 personnel currently serving in 11 operations, over 90% of whom are uniformed. These missions aim to alleviate the suffering of innocent people, particularly women, children, and the elderly, with peacekeepers demonstrating exemplary courage and compassion in remote regions.
India is proud to be a steadfast contributor to UN peacekeeping since its inception. Our peacekeepers have served with distinction in challenging operations, earning goodwill among the communities they serve. India has made significant strides in gender inclusion, with women peacekeepers empowering local communities and fostering trust. Our combat engineers, medical teams, and police have provided critical life-sustaining services.
You are proud representatives of your nations’ values, bringing a wealth of experience and resolve toward sustainable peace and prosperity. The discussions during this conclave have generated relevant and workable ideas to address the challenges faced by peacekeepers.
As nations contributing to the noble cause of peacekeeping, we should strive for frameworks that amplify the voice of troop-contributing countries and promote active engagement with local stakeholders. This will foster an environment where peace is nurtured through participatory processes.
I salute the peacekeeping soldiers who brave danger far from home, not for conquest but for compassion. The discussions on leveraging technology will open new possibilities for peacekeeping operations. This conclave will promote new ideas, deeper cooperation, and enduring friendships.
Let us renew our pledge to the UN Charter, not just as an obligation but as a promise to secure future generations. Together, as custodians of peace, let us enable a world where every child sleeps in safety, every community thrives in harmony, and conflicts are relegated to the pages of history.
Thank you. Jai Hind!
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