New Delhi, Oct 14: Some nations are “openly violating” international norms and rules, while many others are attempting to establish their own frameworks in order to dominate global affairs in the coming century, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference of military chiefs from countries contributing troops to the United Nations’ peacekeeping missions, Singh stressed that India stands firmly in support of a rules-based international order, even as it advocates for reform of structures that have become outdated and unable to address modern challenges effectively.
The defence minister, while outlining India’s perspective on international security and governance, did not explicitly name the nations that are violating global norms or attempting to create new rules for their advantage. However, he underlined the urgency of strengthening multilateral institutions to cope with contemporary global challenges, stating that “we cannot fight today’s challenges with outdated multilateral structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence.”
He emphasized the need for what he called “reformed multilateralism” to address the complex and interconnected nature of today’s world. “For today’s interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism,” Singh added, reiterating India’s commitment to promoting cooperation and adherence to international law while pushing for meaningful reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations.
Singh also highlighted India’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, underlining the sacrifices and commitment of Indian personnel. “Our contribution has not been without sacrifice. More than 180 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives under the UN flag. Their courage and selflessness are inscribed in the collective conscience of humankind,” he said, paying tribute to those who have served and fallen in the line of duty.
According to Singh, nearly 2,90,000 Indian personnel have participated in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions across decades, playing a critical role in maintaining peace and security globally. “From Congo and Korea to South Sudan and Lebanon, our soldiers, police personnel, and medical professionals have stood shoulder to shoulder with the international community to protect the vulnerable, restore peace, and rebuild societies,” he said, highlighting the depth and scale of India’s involvement in global peacekeeping initiatives.
Singh’s remarks come amid growing discussions about reforming the UN and other multilateral institutions to make them more representative, efficient, and capable of responding to evolving global security challenges, including conflicts, humanitarian crises, and threats to the international rules-based order. (Agencies)
