Login

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 05th April 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Global South Urged to Lead UN Peacekeeping in Ukraine: A Case for Neutral Leadership

Global South Urged to Lead UN Peacekeeping in Ukraine: A Case for Neutral Leadership

Global South Urged to Lead UN Peacekeeping in Ukraine

Why in News?

  • As the Ukraine war enters its fourth year, a fragile ceasefire has emerged following recent maritime and energy truces brokered in Riyadh.
  • While Western nations propose a European-led peacekeeping force, geopolitical sensitivities — especially Russia’s opposition to NATO presence — have made this option contentious.
Global South Urged to Lead UN Peacekeeping in Ukraine: A Case for Neutral Leadership

Key Highlights of the Argument

  • Problems with a European-Led Peacekeeping Force
    • NATO member-states are unacceptable to Russia as peacekeepers, given their perceived alignment with Ukraine and past confrontations.
    • Public opinion in Europe (e.g., France and UK) is largely against troop deployments in Ukraine.
    • Europe’s military capacity, especially without guaranteed U.S. support, is limited for a long-term peacekeeping mission.
    • The presence of NATO troops may provoke rather than pacify the region, escalating tensions.
  • Global South as a Credible Peacekeeper
    • Nations in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America) have largely maintained neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, giving them moral legitimacy.
    • Their leaders have engaged with both Kyiv and Moscow, e.g., India’s outreach to both Zelenskyy and Putin, reflecting diplomatic balance.
    • Countries such as Brazil, India, South Africa, Indonesia, and African Union (AU) members have strong peacekeeping experience, including in volatile regions like Sudan, Somalia, and Liberia.
    • Smaller nations like Chile possess specialised skills (e.g., demining) vital for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
  • India’s Legacy in Peacekeeping
    • India has contributed over 2,90,000 personnel to 50+ UN missions — the largest contributor historically.
    • It deployed the first all-women police contingent in Liberia (2007).
    • With a neutral stance and ties to Russia, the West, and Ukraine, India is well-positioned to lead a UN peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
    • The article calls on India to overcome its traditional diplomatic reticence and take assertive global leadership.
  • Conditions for a Global South-Led Mission
    • Requires a clear and robust ceasefire agreement.
    • Demarcation of frontlines through negotiations.
    • Financial and logistical support from Europe and other stakeholders.
    • UN Security Council authorisation and mutual consent from Kyiv and Moscow.
    • Exclusion of NATO troops to preserve neutrality.
    • Inclusion of female peacekeepers to enhance community trust and address gender-based violence.
  • China’s Comparative Proactivity
    • China has already positioned itself as a potential peacemaker, appointing a special envoy and maintaining visible diplomatic activity.
    • India, despite its credentials, has not made a formal diplomatic initiative on the Ukraine peace process.

Significance

  • A Global South-led peacekeeping mission would be a watershed moment in reshaping the global order, demonstrating that the South is no longer a passive observer but an active player in global security.
  • Such an initiative would reaffirm the role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and validate the multilateral system.
  • For India, leading this mission would:
    • Enhance its soft power and diplomatic stature,
    • Strengthen its case for a permanent UNSC seat, and
    • Position it as a non-aligned global stabilizer in a multipolar world.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Address : 6, 1st  Floor , Above Just Bake,  1st Main Road,  Chandra Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040
  • Head Office : 1045, 2nd Floor, 6th Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040
Call Us Now !
Bengaluru
Dharwad

Useful Links

  • Address : 6, 1st  Floor , Above Just Bake,  1st Main Road,  Chandra Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040
  • Head Office : 1045, 2nd Floor, 6th Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040
Call Us Now !
Bengaluru
Dharwad

Useful Links

Copyright © JICE ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE PRIVATE LIMITED