India has consistently championed global peace through various initiatives, a commitment recently highlighted by an Indian delegation's visit to South Africa. This visit underscores India's dedication to fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges, particularly terrorism.

India's proactive role in United Nations peacekeeping operations is a testament to its commitment. With over 290,000 personnel having served in more than 50 missions since its first deployment in 1953 during the Korean Peninsula mission, India has been among the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces. Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine active operations, including those in Lebanon, South Sudan, Congo, and Cyprus. These deployments include infantry battalions, medical units, engineering contingents, military observers, and police units, showcasing India's diverse contributions to maintaining stability and security in conflict zones.

Beyond troop contributions, India actively engages in training and capacity-building for peacekeepers. The Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in India trains over 12,000 troops annually and provides specialized courses for both Indian and international personnel. Furthermore, India has emerged as a global leader in promoting gender equality within peacekeeping operations. Despite women comprising a minority of uniformed peacekeepers globally, India has been at the forefront of increasing female participation. Over 150 Indian women peacekeepers are serving in key missions across Congo, South Sudan, and Lebanon, playing a crucial role in fostering peace and security.

India's commitment extends to providing state-of-the-art, indigenously manufactured equipment and technology to UN missions, enhancing operational efficiency in challenging environments. This technological support has been instrumental in improving logistics, surveillance, and strategic deployment in conflict zones.

In addition to peacekeeping efforts, India actively participates in international forums such as the G20, advocating for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The International Solar Alliance, initiated by India, brings together 121 countries to promote solar energy, addressing both climate change and energy security challenges. Moreover, India's "Vaccine Maitri" initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its role as the "pharmacy of the world," supplying over 100 million vaccine doses to 95 countries, with a focus on developing nations in Africa and Asia.

The recent visit by the Indian delegation to South Africa further exemplifies India's dedication to global peace. The delegation engaged with South African parliamentarians and underscored India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, particularly in light of the Pahalgam attack. They sought to build global consensus against terrorism, emphasizing that it is a global challenge requiring a coordinated international response. This visit also highlighted India's historical support for South Africa's fight against apartheid, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.

India's approach to foreign policy prioritizes peacekeeping through dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has emphasized India's commitment to contributing meaningfully to UN peacekeeping in line with the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which underscores the belief that the world is one family. This philosophy guides India's efforts to foster global understanding, provide humanitarian support, and promote international cooperation.

India's enduring legacy in UN peacekeeping, its active participation in international forums, and its commitment to supporting the Global South in building peacekeeping capacities all contribute to its position as a leading force for global peace. As global challenges become more complex, India's experience in fostering international cooperation and providing humanitarian support becomes increasingly relevant, ensuring its continued role as a significant contributor to global peace and human welfare.