Content:

1. KHANJAR-XII
2. India’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping: Leadership, Commitment, and Sacrifice

KHANJAR-XII

Context & Background

• The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII is scheduled from 10 March to 23 March 2025 in Kyrgyzstan.
• Established in 2011, the exercise has become an annual event, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• The previous edition was held in India (January 2024).
• Participating Forces:
  • India: The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
  • Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)  , GS 3(Internal Security)

Objective:

• Exchange counter-terrorism and special forces operational techniques.
  • Training in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain scenarios.

• Specialized Training Areas:
  • Sniping techniques.
  • Building intervention operations in complex environments.
  • Mountain warfare & survival skills.

• Cultural Exchange:
  • Celebration of Nowruz, enhancing diplomatic ties beyond military cooperation.

Government’s Stand & Policies

• Strengthening defense cooperation under India’s Central Asia outreach policy.
• Enhancing bilateral military engagement and strategic partnership.
• Aligning with India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Extended Neighbourhood” approach in Eurasia.
• Addressing regional security concerns, particularly terrorism and extremism.

Critical Analysis (Pros, Cons, Challenges)

Pros:

•  Enhanced Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Joint exercises strengthen India’s anti-terror capabilities in Central Asia.
• Strategic Outreach to Central Asia: Strengthens India’s geopolitical presence in the region amid increasing Chinese and Russian influence.
• Tactical Skill Exchange: Advanced Special Forces training fosters interoperability.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: Cultural engagements boost bilateral people-to-people ties.

Cons:

•  Limited Scale: The exercise involves only Special Forces, excluding broader military cooperation.
• Dependency on Annual Engagements: Lack of a permanent institutional framework for sustained collaboration.
• Geopolitical Complexities: Central Asia’s security landscape is influenced by Russia, China, and regional conflicts.

Challenges:

•  Security Volatility in Central Asia: Unstable Afghanistan and rising extremism in the region can complicate joint operations.
• Geopolitical Balancing: India must manage its ties with Russia and China while deepening engagement in Central Asia.
•  Logistical and Climate Barriers: High-altitude, rugged terrains pose operational challenges.

Way Forward (Reforms, Policy Suggestions)

• Institutionalized Defense Partnership: Establish a permanent defense cooperation framework beyond annual exercises.
• Expanded Military Training Programs: Include joint cyber warfare, intelligence sharing, and drone warfare training.
• Trilateral & Multilateral Engagements: Collaborate with other Central Asian nations for regional security mechanisms.
• Infrastructure & Logistics Support: Improve military mobility & supply chains for high-altitude operations.

India’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping: Leadership, Commitment, and Sacrifice

Context & Background

• The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and security.
• UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs) play a crucial role in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian support.
• India has been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, with over 2,90,000 personnel serving in more than 50 missions globally.
• In 2023, India received the UN’s highest peacekeeping honor, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, posthumously awarded to its peacekeepers for their sacrifices.
• A recent event, the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South,’ hosted by India in February 2025, highlighted India’s commitment to inclusive peacekeeping.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Key Highlights

• Definition & Scope: UN peacekeeping missions support ceasefires, peace agreements, and civilian protection.

• Key Functions:
  • Facilitating political processes and governance.
  • Protecting civilians and preventing human rights violations.
  • Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants.
  • Supporting free and fair elections.
  • Strengthening rule of law and governance institutions.

• Evolution:
  • Started with observer missions in 1948 (UNTSO in the Middle East).
  • Expanded after the Cold War with multidimensional operations addressing governance and security challenges.
  • Reforms like the Brahimi Report (2000) led to robust mandates and enhanced capabilities.
  • The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine shaped modern interventions.

• India’s Role:
  • India’s peacekeeping efforts align with its non-violence philosophy and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
  • Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine active missions.
  • India provides specialized training through the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) and supports Global South nations in capacity building.

Government’s Stand & Policies

• Commitment to UN Peacekeeping:
  • India views peacekeeping as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
  • Actively promotes South-South cooperation and regional stability.

• Support for Women Peacekeepers:
  • Hosting the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’ to enhance female participation in UN missions.
  • Training programs for women peacekeepers from ASEAN and African nations.

• Operational Contributions:
  • Deployment of battalions, medical units, and police personnel in critical conflict zones (e.g., DR Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Central African Republic).
  • India advocates for fair representation in UN decision-making, pushing for greater recognition of troop-contributing nations.

Critical Analysis (Pros, Cons, Challenges)

• Pros:
  • Enhances India’s global diplomatic standing and soft power.
  • Provides operational experience to Indian armed forces in multinational settings.
  • Promotes gender inclusivity in peacekeeping operations.
  • Strengthens India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

• Cons:
  • High casualties: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have died in operations.
  • Lack of political influence: Despite major contributions, India remains underrepresented in key UN decision-making bodies.
  • Operational challenges: Harsh conditions, asymmetric warfare, and limited resources affect peacekeeping efficiency.

• Challenges:
  • Rising threats: Increasing involvement in volatile regions with non-state actors and hybrid warfare.
  • Financial constraints: India bears significant costs without proportionate reimbursements from the UN.
  • Need for better coordination with host nations and regional organizations.

Way Forward (Reforms, Policy Suggestions)

• Strategic Advocacy:
  • Push for structural reforms in UN peacekeeping decision-making, ensuring fair representation of troop-contributing nations.
  • Strengthen India’s case for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

• Capacity Building & Innovation:
  • Expand specialized peacekeeping training, particularly in cyber security, counter-terrorism, and civilian protection.
  • Increase investment in modernizing peacekeeping equipment and technology.

• Women’s Participation:
  • Enhance recruitment and training programs for women peacekeepers.
  • Advocate for gender-sensitive policies in UN peacekeeping mandates.

• Financial & Operational Efficiency:
  • Seek better financial compensation and logistical support from the UN.
  • Strengthen cooperation with regional organizations like the African Union for joint peacekeeping efforts