75 Years of India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping: A New Book by Maj Gen P.K. Goswami
The book 75 Years of India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping, chronicles India’s seven-and-a-half-decade journey in blue helmets. Written by by Maj Gen P.K. Goswami, VSM (Retd) of the United Service Institution (USI), the book surveys India’s role from its first deployment in Korea (1950–53) through missions in Congo, Cyprus, Golan Heights, Lebanon, Cambodia, Namibia, Angola, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and many more. It “chronicles India’s distinguished legacy as one of the largest troop-contributing nations to UN missions” and traces the country’s “journey from its early participation in Korea and Congo to its leadership roles in missions across Africa and West Asia”. In short, it is a comprehensive history of India in UN peacekeeping, reflecting India’s long-standing commitment to the UN Charter and collective security.
Leadership, Sacrifice, and Humanitarian Service
Maj. Gen. Goswami’s book emphasizes India’s leadership and humanitarian contributions. India has been the largest UN peacekeeping contributor: since the 1950s over 290,000 Indian service personnel have served in some 50 missions worldwide. Today roughly 5,500 Indians are deployed in nine active missions. India’s peacekeepers have paid a high price: 182 have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This blend of valour and sacrifice reflects India’s traditions (often summarized as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “the world is one family”) in action, aligning its non-violent philosophy with UN values.
Crucial themes in the book include leadership under fire, dedicated diplomacy, and the protection of civilians. For example, Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria led a small platoon against Katangese rebels in the Congo (1961) and was posthumously awarded India’s Param Vir Chakra (the nation’s highest military honour) – the only Indian to earn it in a UN mission. In modern missions, Indian units often provide vital humanitarian aid: in 2025, Indian medical teams ran an outreach clinic in South Sudan that treated over 300 displaced people. Likewise, India operates a Level-III UN hospital in Goma, DR Congo, whose humanitarian outreach “aided FARDC (Congolese army) and civilians” and was praised by the UN’s Special Representative for its professionalism. In brief, Maj Gen. Goswami highlights stories of heroism and compassion alongside diplomatic and logistical leadership. These stories illustrate that India’s role has gone far beyond providing manpower: it has often led peace-enforcement efforts, protected civilians, and extended humanitarian aid under fire.
Global Recognition and Endorsements
India’s steady commitment has drawn praise from UN leadership and diplomats. United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix noted that India is not just a “major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions” but also a global leader in ensuring accountability and protection for peacekeepers. Lacroix specifically commended India’s “lead… on accountability for crime against peacekeepers,” calling it “an important contribution to peacekeeping beyond the contribution of troops”. Similarly, India’s former UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji and retired Lieutenant General J.S. Lidder (a former Force Commander and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General) have lauded the professionalism and dedication of Indian peacekeepers. International experts like Dr. Cedric de Coning of NUPI (Oslo) likewise recognize India’s “principled approach” and leadership in UN operations. These endorsements underscore India’s reputation in the UN system as a reliable partner in multilateral peace efforts.
About the Author
Major General P.K. Goswami (Retd) brings both field experience to the book. Presently Director, USI Centre for UN Studies and authored the earlier volume India and UN Peacekeeping: Through the Prism of Time (2022). Maj. Gen. Goswami served in UN Angola Verification Mission as Military Observer. He regularly conducts Seminar/Conferences at notional and international and also regularly invited to participate in events relating to UN peace operations. He has 10 Monograph and two books to his credit. 75 Years of India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping draws on official records and personal interviews to offer a ground-up perspective on India’s evolving UN role.
Relevance to Today’s World
The book’s launch comes at a critical moment. In 2025, over 130 armed conflicts rage worldwide and modern peacekeeping faces unprecedented challenges – from proxy wars and terrorism to climate-driven crises. Maj. Gen. Goswami’s work reminds readers that strong multilateral resolve is essential. The USI UN Forum has emphasized that in a “fragmented” world, renewed cooperation is vital. By chronicling India’s contributions – past and present – the book reinforces the idea that global peace requires shared effort. It serves as both a tribute to fallen peacekeepers and a call to action: preserving international peace hinges on collective commitment to the UN ideal.
Availability: 75 Years of India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping (2025) is published by Pentagon Press. It will be officially launched at the USI Annual UN Forum 2025 on 24 October 2025 and is expected to be available for purchase via Pentagon Press outlets and on Amazon upon release.
