Rajnath Singh interacted with women officers from 15 countries and India participating in the United Nations Women Military Officers Course 2025 in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing gender parity and inclusive leadership in peacekeeping. Organised by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping under the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs from August 18 to 29, the nearly two-week programme aims to strengthen the professional capacity of women military officers for effective participation in multidimensional UN missions.
Addressing the officers at South Block, he said India, as the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, has consistently supported the integration of women into these operations and is strengthening policies to encourage their participation in the Armed Forces and peacekeeping contingents. He emphasised that India will continue to work with the UN and troop-contributing countries to create a world where peace thrives through diversity and equality.
The course has brought together participants from Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay and Vietnam, alongside 12 Indian women officers and five interns. Rajnath Singh described their presence as a microcosm of the UN’s spirit of unity and cooperation, stating that their dedication strengthens both peacekeeping and global security.
He highlighted the UN’s vision to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping, noting that women officers bring invaluable perspectives and approaches, foster deeper trust with local communities, help prevent sexual violence, improve access to humanitarian assistance and promote gender equality. He said their presence inspires local women and girls to see themselves as active participants in peace and security, and India’s own peacekeeping history reflects this belief in their potential.
During the event, he unveiled the UN Journal 2025, Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping, a Platinum Jubilee edition capturing India’s legacy, innovations and future vision in UN peacekeeping. Drawing on the symbolism of the blue helmets, he said they offer protection like the sky and build connections like the oceans. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers attended the interaction.
The curriculum of UNWMOC-2025 covers International Humanitarian Law, refugees and internally displaced people, protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, conflict-related sexual violence and child protection in conflict. Distinguished speakers from the UN, the Ministry of External Affairs, international organisations and senior Indian Army veterans are addressing the participants, with a field demonstration by an infantry battalion nominated for UN deployment to enhance practical understanding.
