NEW DELHI: India’s
Intelligence Bureau director
,
Tapan Kumar Deka
, addressed the UN Chief of Police Summit (UNCOPS) on June 27, emphasizing the importance of national efforts in ensuring civilian security.
He highlighted the challenges faced by
peacekeeping operations
due to the changing nature of armed conflicts, particularly the rise in
intra-state conflicts
involving non-state armed groups.
IB Director stated, “The changing nature of armed conflict, with a surge in intra-state conflicts involving
non-state Armed Groups
, has increasingly exposed peacekeeping operations to regional and global dynamics that undermine their efforts to implement their mandate. The maintenance of international peace and security has become more complex and calls for strengthening our peace operations in a manner that they are rooted in clear mandates, backed by adequate resources and incorporating clear exit strategies.”
He emphasized the significance of creating conducive conditions for local political and social processes to take hold, rather than imposing solutions from outside.
Speaking about India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping, Deka mentioned that India is one of the largest Troop Contributing Countries. “Apart from being one of the largest Troop Contributing Countries, Indian Police Contribution to
UN Peacekeeping
is also a priority area with Formed Police Unit of 139 personnel deployed in MONUSCO, DRC, which included 11 women. We also have 11 Individual Police Officers deployed in UNMISS, South Sudan & 01 deployed in UNISFA, Abyei (Sudan),” he said.
However, he noted that there have been divergences in the interpretation of mandates between various stakeholders, which can hinder effective mandate delivery and pose threats to the safety of peacekeepers.
Deka called for continuous and effective coordination between the UN leadership, host nation, and Troop/Police Contributing countries throughout the entire mission lifecycle. He also highlighted the challenges posed by the misuse of digital and social media in spreading misinformation and disinformation, further complicating conflict scenarios.
He emphasized the need to strengthen strategic communication and create local awareness about the mandate of peacekeeping missions to avoid misplaced expectations.
Furthermore, Deka advocated for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories, given its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
He also called for greater representation of Africa in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. “Given that more than half of the Security Council’s work is focused on Africa, India has been consistently calling for greater representation of Africa in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” he added.
While acknowledging the need to strengthen existing mechanisms, Deka cautioned against any activity that infringes upon the sovereignty of host nations and their various political stakeholders, especially given the current mistrust in multilateral systems. He emphasized the importance of creating the right political conditions and supporting development to prevent conflicts from taking root.
