Chiefs and Vice-Chiefs of Army from countries contributing troops to the United Nations (UN), participating in the Army Chiefs’ Conclave for United Nations Troop Contributing Countries, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. The military leaders, accompanied by their spouses, were praised by the President for their nations’ commitment to global peace.
Addressing the participants, President Murmu emphasized the need for collective action among troop contributing countries (TCCs). She said, “We should collectively strive for frameworks that encourage a stronger voice for troop contributing countries,” and also advocated for more active engagement with local stakeholders.
The President explained that this approach would help “create an environment in which peace is not enforced but nurtured through participative processes.” She expressed confidence that the conclave would promote “new ideas, deeper cooperation, and enduring friendships.”
The President reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace, highlighting that as the largest democracy, India firmly believes in multilateralism and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“India is proud to be a steadfast contributor to UN Peace-keeping since its inception,” she noted, adding that Indian peace-keepers have served with distinction globally.
The President specifically underlined India’s appreciable strides in gender inclusion within its peace-keeping efforts, noting that women peace-keepers have “empowered local communities and fostered trust.”
President Murmu lauded the dedication and bravery of all UN peace-keepers. She informed the audience that UN peace-keepers have been deployed in 71 different missions across the globe, with nearly 68,000 personnel currently serving across eleven operations.
She praised the UN troops for demonstrating “exemplary courage and compassion” while mitigating the suffering of innocent people, particularly “women, children and elderly.”
The President concluded by saluting the soldiers, stating they have “braved danger far from home not for conquest, but for compassion,” and expressed hope that discussions, including those on leveraging technology, would lead to new possibilities in peace-keeping operations.