India Champions Women’s Leadership in Global Peacekeeping: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday emphasised India’s commitment to advancing women’s participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions while interacting with women officers from 15 countries attending the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC-2025) at the Manekshaw Centre.
Organised by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping under the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs from August 18 to 29, UNWMOC-2025 is designed to strengthen the professional capacity of women officers for complex multidimensional UN peacekeeping operations.
Rajnath Singh described the presence of officers from Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay, and Vietnam, alongside Indian participants, as a “microcosm of the UN” reflecting unity and international cooperation. “You are the torchbearers of change. Your dedication strengthens not only peacekeeping but also the very fabric of global security,” he said, adding that India would continue working with the UN and troop-contributing countries to foster inclusive leadership and gender parity.
The Raksha Mantri also unveiled the UN Journal 2025 – Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping, a Platinum Jubilee edition highlighting India’s legacy, innovations, and future vision in UN missions. He observed, “Like the sky, UN peacekeepers offer protection and a sense of security, and like the oceans, they build connections across borders and cultures.”
UNWMOC-2025’s curriculum includes International Humanitarian Law, Protection of Civilians, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons issues, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Child Protection, and Conduct and Discipline. Distinguished speakers from the United Nations, Ministry of External Affairs, international organisations, and senior Indian Army veterans are providing expert training, supplemented by field demonstrations from an Infantry Battalion nominated for UN service.