Peace Keeping Forces deployed by India Globally As of Feb, 2025

South Sudan represents India’s largest peacekeeping commitment, with 2,409 personnel deployed—nearly 45% of India’s total global peacekeeping presence. This extensive involvement in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) underscores India’s dedication to stability in this young nation struggling with complex ethnic conflicts and governance challenges since its independence in 2011. India’s substantial investment here likely stems from its longstanding commitment to African peace, combined with economic interests in the region’s energy resources and potential future markets. The Democratic Republic of Congo constitutes India’s second-largest deployment with 1,274 personnel, representing about 24% of India’s total peacekeeping contingent. India’s extensive involvement in MONUSCO (UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC) reflects its commitment to addressing one of Africa’s most protracted and complex conflicts, which has claimed millions of lives through violence, disease, and displacement. This substantial commitment demonstrates India’s willingness to engage in particularly challenging peacekeeping environments where multiple armed groups operate across vast territories.

Lebanon represents India’s third significant deployment with 896 personnel serving with UNIFIL (UN Interim Force in Lebanon), accounting for approximately 17% of India’s peacekeeping contribution. This substantial presence along the volatile Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel indicates India’s commitment to Middle Eastern stability and its balanced approach to this geopolitically sensitive region. The deployment predates the current escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, placing Indian forces in an increasingly challenging operational environment. Sudan hosts 596 Indian peacekeepers, likely serving with UNITAMS (United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan), reflecting India’s continued engagement despite the mission’s evolving mandate amid Sudan’s political transitions and ongoing conflicts. This presence demonstrates India’s persistence in supporting peace processes even through complex political transitions. Syria represents a smaller but significant Indian presence with 199 personnel, likely operating with UNDOF (UN Disengagement Observer Force) in the Golan Heights. This deployment in one of the world’s most sensitive conflict zones underscores India’s willingness to contribute to peace efforts even in politically charged environments with multiple international stakeholders.

The data also reveals a near-complete absence of Indian peacekeepers in certain regions where UN operations have concluded or significantly downsized, including Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. This reflects the natural evolution of peacekeeping missions as they complete their mandates or transform into political missions. The minimal symbolic presence (1-3 personnel) in locations like Cyprus, Somalia, Morocco, Central African Republic, and Israel likely represents staff officers, military observers, or specialised roles rather than formed contingents, maintaining India’s participation across a diverse geographic footprint while concentrating substantial forces where needs are greatest.

Overall, India’s peacekeeping deployment pattern demonstrates its strategic prioritisation of African stability operations while maintaining a significant Middle Eastern presence. This approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objectives: enhancing its role as a responsible global power, strengthening ties with African nations (increasingly important for resources and diplomatic support), maintaining balanced engagement in the Middle East, and accumulating operational experience for its military forces. These deployments collectively reinforce India’s credentials as a major contributor to global peace and security, supporting its case for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council while extending its soft power influence across strategic regions.