India gives two hoots to Trump and Europe, will not send single soldier to Gaza and Ukraine; Is it wise decision or…

Several European countries have demanded a greater role for India in stopping the Russia-Ukraine war.

New Delhi: India has flatly rejected the demand of European countries to send its peacekeepers to Gaza and Ukraine. A senior Indian Defence Ministry official said on Wednesday, October 1, that Indian peacekeeping forces will not be deployed outside of the UN-authorised missions. Several European countries, including Finland, have in recent weeks demanded a greater role for India in stopping the Russia-Ukraine war.

What did India say on the issue?

Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence, said during a press conference at the Conference of Heads of UN Troop Contributing Countries in New Delhi, “The Indian government’s position is absolutely clear. Peacekeeping forces will only be deployed through the United Nations, specifically the UN Security Council. We are absolutely clear on this, and there is no possibility that Indian peacekeeping forces will be deployed on their own without UN initiative.”

No Indian troops for Ukraine

India has been sending its troops to the United Nations, but this time, European countries wanted India to send peacekeepers to the Ukraine war and Gaza without the UN. This meant they wanted to pit India against Russia and Israel, with whom India has strong and trusting relations. However, the Indian military leadership has made it clear that India’s priority in peacekeeping operations is to promote cooperation, inclusiveness, and technological self-reliance. Lieutenant General Negi stated that India is among the select few countries that have the capacity to contribute to international peace and security in collaboration with various nations.

India not part of any partisan agenda

He said that India will play an active role on any international platform only if it is free of any partisan agenda. Recent initiatives by Europe and the United States were also mentioned, such as France and other European countries discussing the possibility of a multinational force in the Russia-Ukraine war and Donald Trump’s 20-point peace proposal to end the Gaza conflict, which calls for the deployment of an international force. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed any multinational peacekeeping force only if the conflict ceases. European leaders have suggested a possible role for Indian peacekeepers in such a force. Negi’s statement rejects any such role.

India will not send troops to Gaza either

US President Donald Trump on Monday, September 29, announced his 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas. One point of the plan calls for the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, for which Trump will negotiate with Arab countries so that it can be deployed in Gaza as soon as possible. Negi further stated that India is one of the few countries in the world that can cooperate with various countries to contribute to international peace and security around the world. India will not send peacekeepers to Gaza alone, and if such a force is sent under the auspices of the UN, it is ready to play its role.

HIGHLIGHTS

• India will not send its troops to Gaza and Ukraine.
• Several European countries have demanded a greater role for India in stopping the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Peacekeeping forces will only be deployed through the United Nations Security Council.
• India has been sending its troops to the United Nations.

India will play an active role on any international platform only if it is free of any partisan agenda. Recent initiatives by Europe and the United States were also mentioned, such as France and other European countries discussing the possibility of a multinational force in the Russia-Ukraine war.