Peacekeeping missions should not exist in perpetuity: India to U.N.

Exit strategies should be part of the plans from the very beginning, India said

Observing that the security landscape of the U.N. peacekeeping missions today is more complex, violent and riskier, India has told the United Nations that such missions should not exist in perpetuity.

Exit strategies should be part of the plans from the very beginning, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj told the U.N. General Assembly's Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations on Tuesday.

"India believes that U.N. peacekeeping missions should not exist in perpetuity. Exit strategies should be part of the mission planning process from inception," Ms. Kamboj said at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

Maintaining redundant missions for political expediency diverts essential resources from other crucial missions, she said, asserting, "It is high time we reviewed the need for continuing such missions." India has been at the forefront of U.N. peacekeeping missions for seven decades now. More than 2,60,000 Indians have worn the 'Blue Helmet' in 49 missions across the world. As of now, India has more than 6,000 peacekeepers deployed in nine out of 12 missions.

"The security landscape of peacekeeping missions today is more complex, more violent, riskier. Terrorists and armed groups view civilians and peacekeepers alike as fair targets. Certain armed groups have near-conventional capabilities. It is, therefore, no accident that fatalities among peacekeepers have been rising steadily," Ms. Kamboj said.

Strong security sector and rule of law institutions of host states can protect civilians from terrorists and armed groups, and create conditions for peace and development, she said, adding that capacity building of such institutions is critical.

"Current conflict dynamics demand resources that grant mobility, agility, and flexibility to missions. Keeping this need in mind, India is deploying a helicopter unit in MINUSMA by early May this year. The unit will contribute significantly to mission mobility and response capability," Ms. Kamboj announced.