UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 Commits to Strengthening UNPK

The UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025, hosted by the Indian Army from 14-16 October 2025, concluded with high-level deliberations, solemn ceremonies and reaffirmation of collective resolve to strengthen United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) operations.

President of India Droupadi Murmu interacted with the chiefs and representatives of UN troop contributing nations, during a call on at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Highlighting the positive contribution of Indian peacekeepers, the President appreciated all the participating countries in their resolve towards sustainable peace and prosperity. She expressed her happiness of coming together of countries in the UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave to collectively evolve workable framework for future peace-keeping operations in the challenging world order. The President stressed on the need to co-opt all stakeholders and exploit technology to ensure deeper cooperation, enduring friendship and safety of UN peacekeepers.

Earlier, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, in his address, underscored the need to recalibrate global peacekeeping efforts in tune with evolving realities. Highlighting that the nature of conflicts has transformed with the rise of non-state actors and asymmetric warfare, he called for decisions on peacekeeping mandates to be taken in close consultation with all stakeholders, including troop-contributing and host nations. Dr Jaishankar emphasised that while UN peacekeeping remains a cornerstone of global stability, it must adapt to emerging challenges through realistic mandates, better technology and enhanced safety for peacekeepers.

An interactive session on ‘Leveraging Technology in UN Peacekeeping’ brought together chiefs and representatives of UNTCC and 15 industry leaders, to explore the role of innovation and indigenous solutions in enhancing operational effectiveness. Discussions highlighted the potential of emerging technologies in improving situational awareness, logistics, and troop safety and provided opportunities to share and mutually benefit from each others’ capabilities and possibilities on offer.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, held a series of bilateral meetings with the army chiefs of Burundi, Tanzania, Poland, Ethiopia, Nepal and Uganda. The discussions centred on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability and fostering closer coordination in future peacekeeping missions. These engagements reflected the Conclave’s overarching spirit of dialogue, partnership and shared commitment towards promoting global peace, stability and collective security.

A Defence Expo featuring nine operational domains and 41 exhibitors was organised as part of the UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave, showcasing a wide range of indigenous weapon systems, platforms and cutting-edge technologies. The exhibition reflected India’s growing emphasis on Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production, underscoring the nation’s commitment to design, develop and manufacture advanced military systems through indigenous innovation and industry collaboration.

Earlier in the day, the distinguished UNTCC Chiefs accompanied by their spouses, paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the supreme sacrifice of India’s bravehearts. This was followed by a tree plantation ceremony at the Manekshaw Centre, symbolising a joint pledge towards sustainability and a greener future in line with the spirit of peacekeeping. The Ashoka saplings planted in the ‘Peacekeepers Grove’ are in consonance with the national initiative, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, symbolising gratitude, care and the nurturing bond that connects humanity and nature.