Rajnath Singh Engages with International Women Officers at UN Peacekeeping Course 2025
On Friday, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged with women officers from 15 different nations, including India, at the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC-2025). This event, held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, is designed to enhance the professional skills of women military officers for their roles in UN peacekeeping missions.
The course is organized by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs. Spanning nearly two weeks from August 18 to 29, it focuses on equipping women with the necessary skills for effective participation in multidimensional UN peacekeeping operations.
Speaking at South Block, Rajnath Singh emphasized India's commitment to gender equality in peacekeeping roles. He highlighted India's position as the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping forces and its staunch support for the inclusion of women in these missions.
“We are strengthening policies to encourage women’s participation in our Armed Forces and peacekeeping contingents, ensuring equal opportunities to lead and serve. India will continue to work with the UN and troop-contributing countries to advance gender parity, foster inclusive leadership, and create a world where peace thrives through diversity and equality,” he said.
The Defence Minister described these women officers as pivotal agents of change, whose dedication not only bolsters peacekeeping efforts but also reinforces the broader global security architecture.
The course has attracted participants from nations including Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay, and Vietnam. It also includes 12 Indian women officers and five interns.
Rajnath Singh pointed out that their collective presence symbolizes the UN’s enduring mission of unity and cooperation.
Highlighting the role of women in UN peacekeeping missions, Singh noted that women officers bring unique perspectives that are instrumental in fostering trust within local communities, especially among women and children.
He explained, “Women peacekeepers have helped prevent sexual violence, improve access to humanitarian assistance and inspire local women and girls to actively engage in peace and security. Their presence makes missions more effective, inclusive, and sustainable.”
During the event, Rajnath Singh launched the UN Journal 2025 titled ‘Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping’. This platinum jubilee edition commemorates India's history, innovations, and future outlook in peacekeeping.
He highlighted the symbolic nature of UN peacekeepers' blue helmets, saying, “Like the sky, UN Peacekeepers provide protection and security; like the oceans, they build connections across borders and cultures.”
The event was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials.
The curriculum of the UNWMOC-2025 encompasses crucial elements of contemporary peacekeeping. These include International Humanitarian Law, the protection of civilians, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), conduct and discipline, conflict-related sexual violence, and child protection. The programme is enriched with expert lectures, case studies, and a field demonstration by an infantry battalion set for UN deployment.
