India (Commonwealth Union)_ India will host a significant international assembly of top military leaders from United Nations peacekeeping countries in New Delhi from October 14 to 16, 2025. The UN Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) Chiefs’ Conclave is planned to bring together army chiefs and senior defense officials from more than 30 countries. The conclave will provide an opportunity for participating countries to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration on global peacekeeping efforts. It comes at a time when international security is fragile and peacekeeping missions confront increasing problems in crisis zones around the world.
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Notably, Pakistan and China have not been invited to the conclave. The action comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the deadly terror assault in Pahalgam earlier this year. In reaction to the incident, India adopted several diplomatic and military measures, including terminating the Indus Waters Treaty, limiting Pakistani access to Indian airspace and maritime channels, and conducting targeted strikes on militant infrastructure under Operation Sindhoor. Officials say the decision to leave out China and Pakistan is in line with India’s broader strategic approach to its global military partnerships and peacekeeping commitments.
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Lt. General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Indian Army (Information Systems and Technology), said the gathering aims to build a “stable and rules-based international order.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration among nations contributing troops to UN missions. “This conclave is about strengthening coordination, sharing operational knowledge, and building trust among peacekeeping partners,” he said. When asked whether India might send troops to active conflict zones like Ukraine or Gaza, Vishwesh Negi, a senior official in the Defence Ministry, said such deployments are unlikely. He pointed to the current complexities in the UN Security Council, where reaching consensus on new peacekeeping missions remains difficult. Lt. Gen. Kapoor echoed this view, reiterating India’s longstanding policy: “India sends troops abroad only under a United Nations mandate.”
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India has a long and respected history in UN peacekeeping. Over the past 75 years, it has contributed nearly 290,000 troops to 50 UN missions. Currently, Indian forces are deployed in nine of the eleven ongoing UN missions. India is also the third-largest contributor to peacekeeping operations today, following Nepal and Bangladesh. So far, 179 Indian soldiers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. At the forthcoming conclave, there will be plenary sessions, one-on-one discussions, and presentations on various topics, including peacekeeper safety, improving operational processes, and effectively utilizing technology in high-risk environments. Additionally, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Ghana, Ethiopia, Brazil, Vietnam, Rwanda, and several other nations have agreed to attend.
India’s exclusion of Pakistan and China appears to indicate a desire to collaborate more closely with countries that share a vision for global peacekeeping and stability. Observers see this as part of India’s careful balancing act of asserting its national security interests while also fulfilling its global peacekeeping commitments. The Indian Army says the conclave will also offer a platform for member countries to exchange ideas on logistics, training, mission planning, and the welfare of deployed personnel. These discussions are likely to improve future UN deployments and increase cooperation among troop-contributing nations.
By hosting this event, India not only demonstrates its commitment to international peace and security but also positions itself as a responsible and trustworthy partner in global initiatives. The meeting is expected to produce significant conclusions that will influence the future of UN peacekeeping operations. As global conflicts evolve, such efforts are seen as important to increasing the effectiveness and accountability of peacekeeping missions around the world.
