NEW DELHI: India has not invited Pakistan and China to a conclave for Army chiefs of UN troop contributing nations here this month, even as officials reiterated New Delhi’s policy of not deploying military personnel to foreign conflict zones, including ones like Ukraine and Gaza, unless explicitly mandated by the UNSC and conducted under the UN flag.Announcing the conclave from Oct 14 to 16, which will bring together senior military leadership of over 30 nations, Army deputy chief (IS&T) Lt-General Rakesh Kapoor said it will serve as a unique platform for UN troop contributing countries to foster dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding as well as work towards “a stable international order”.Asked about the possibility of deployment of UN peacekeepers including Indian troops in the raging conflict zones in Ukraine and Gaza, joint secretary (international cooperation) in defence ministry Vishwesh Negi said Indian peacekeepers as per the govt policy are only deployed under a clear UN mandate with UNSC clearance.“Such a deployment (Ukraine or Gaza) is highly unlikely given the composition of the UNSC,” Negi added, in an oblique reference to the challenge of securing consensus among the council’s permanent members.Lt-Gen Kapoor, in turn, added, “It’s the govt of India’s stated policy that we deploy our troops overseas only under the UN flag…we understand the legitimacy.” India has been one of the largest contributors of troops for UN peace-keeping operations around the world since the 1950s. “In the past 75 years, India has contributed over 2.9 lakh peacekeepers spread across 50 UN missions…182 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice in such missions,” Lt-Gen Kapoor said.Countries participating in the conclave include Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Cote D’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam, Rwanda and Senegal. Go to Source
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