Answer

India, a prominent member of the Global South, has a distinguished history in UN peacekeeping missions, currently, approximately 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are active in nine missions worldwide. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, discussions have emerged about potential peacekeeping interventions. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott suggested that India, with its substantial military capabilities and longstanding relations with Russia, could play a pivotal role in such efforts.

Challenges for the Global South, particularly India

• Strategic Sensitivities: The presence of non-Western troops near Russian borders may still provoke geo political distrust, complicating operational neutrality despite Global South’s impartiality.
  For example: Russia might perceive even Global South peacekeepers as a proxy, risking tension escalation despite UN authorization.
• Logistical Limitations: Nations from the Global South often face resource constraints, affecting their ability to sustain long-term missions in distant, high-conflict zones like Ukraine.
• Diplomatic Divergences: The Global South is not a unified bloc; internal foreign policy differences may hinder consensus on peacekeeping objectives and leadership structure.
  For example: Brazil and India held differing stances on Ukraine at the UNGA vote in 2022
• Western Dependence: Financial and technological dependence on Western nations for peacekeeping may raise doubts about the true autonomy of Global South initiatives.
  For example: Around 45% of the UN peacekeeping budget is funded by the US, China (UN Financial Report).
• Domestic Political Pressures: Rising public scrutiny may deter Global South leaders from committing troops to risky external conflicts amid domestic socio-economic challenges.
  For example: Indian public opinion was divided over military involvement in Sri Lanka under IPKF in the 1980s.

Opportunities for the Global South, particularly India

• Diplomatic Credibility: India’s historical neutrality and balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine enhance its image as a credible and impartial mediator.
  For example: PM Modi met both Putin and Zelenskyy within two weeks in 2024, signalling balanced diplomacy.
• Global Leadership: Leading such a mission can position India as a moral and strategic leader of the Global South in shaping international peace frameworks.
  For example: India led UN missions in Yugoslavia (1992) and Liberia (2007), showcasing leadership in conflict resolution.
• Peacekeeping Legacy: With decades of peacekeeping experience, India brings institutional expertise, command capability, and credibility to high-stakes operations like Ukraine.
  For example: Over 2,90,000 Indian troops have served in 50+ UN missions, with 160 martyrs (UN Peacekeeping Factsheet, 2023).
• Gender Inclusion: Deployment of female peacekeepers by India boosts mission legitimacy, community trust, and addresses gender-based violence in post-conflict zones.
  For example: India’s all-women contingent in Liberia (2007) enhanced civilian confidence and helped reduce gender crimes.
• South-South Cooperation: A successful mission can promote greater cooperation among Global South nations and reduce dependence on Western-dominated security frameworks.
  For example: BRICS-led peacekeeping collaboration could emerge as an alternative to NATO, increasing Global South autonomy.

How this initiative could transform global peacekeeping

• Redefining Neutrality: The initiative could replace traditional power-based peacekeeping with trust-based neutrality, reducing accusations of geopolitical bias in UN missions.
  For example: The African Union’s success in Sudan was rooted in perceived neutrality compared to earlier Western-led efforts.
• Boosting UN Legitimacy: By involving non-Western nations, UN peacekeeping would regain credibility and global representation, especially in the Global South.
  For example: UN-led missions with Southern leadership could revive trust after failures in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Decentralising Peace Processes: Encourages multi-polar peace initiatives led by emerging powers, reducing the dominance of US-EU alliances in post-conflict arrangements.
  For example: China’s envoy to Ukraine and India’s neutral diplomacy offer new multipolar models.
• Encouraging Preventive Diplomacy: Proactive peacekeeping could evolve into conflict prevention and mediation, reducing war recurrence risks in volatile regions
  For example: India’s role in preemptive mediation in Nepal’s civil conflict showed potential beyond reactive peacekeeping.
• Promoting Inclusive Security Architecture: Would set a precedent for inclusive global governance, where emerging powers share responsibility in international peace and security.
  For example: A successful Ukraine mission could justify Global South demands for UNSC reform and permanent representation.

India and the Global South can redefine global peacekeeping by championing neutrality, multilateralism, and dialogue-driven diplomacy. Leveraging platforms like G20 and NAM, they can push for inclusive conflict resolution models. Investing in non-coercive peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and local engagement will establish a new paradigm of equitable global governance.

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