India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, recently voiced strong criticism against certain countries for ‘openly violating’ established international norms. He further noted that while some nations disregard existing global rules, others are actively striving to create their own standards and assert dominance on the world stage as we approach the next century.
Singh reiterated India’s firm stance on upholding a robust international rules-based order. Simultaneously, he underscored the urgent necessity to reform ‘outdated’ international institutions to better tackle contemporary global issues.
Speaking at a significant conference attended by Military Chiefs from nations contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts, the Defence Minister chose not to publicly name the specific countries he accused of these violations or of seeking to establish new global norms.
A central theme of Mr. Singh’s address was his powerful advocacy for substantial reforms within the United Nations and other key multilateral organizations.
He unequivocally stated that current global challenges cannot be effectively addressed by ‘outdated multilateral structures,’ warning that ‘without comprehensive reforms, the U.N. faces a crisis of confidence.’
To successfully navigate our increasingly interconnected world, he emphasized the vital need for a ‘reformed multilateralism.’
The Defence Minister also took the opportunity to highlight India’s extensive and long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
He acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by Indian personnel, noting that over 180 Indian peacekeepers have tragically lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. Their bravery and dedication, he stated, are indelibly etched into the collective consciousness of humankind.
Over several decades, nearly 290,000 Indian personnel have bravely participated in more than 50 UN peacekeeping operations across the globe.
These Indian soldiers, police officers, and medical professionals have served in diverse regions, from conflict zones in Congo and Korea to missions in South Sudan and Lebanon, consistently working alongside the international community to protect vulnerable populations and aid in societal reconstruction efforts.