NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that some nations are “openly violating” international rules, while others aim to create their own norms to dominate the next century. Speaking at a conference of military chiefs from countries contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, he emphasised India’s commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, even as it advocates reform of “outdated” global structures.
Without naming specific countries, Singh warned that outdated multilateral institutions are insufficient to address today’s complex global challenges. “We cannot fight today’s challenges with outdated multilateral structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence,” he said. He added that for today’s interconnected world, “we need a reformed multilateralism.”
Highlighting India’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, Singh said nearly 2,90,000 Indian personnel have served in more than 50 UN missions over the decades. “Our contribution has not been without sacrifice. More than 180 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives under the UN flag. Their courage and selflessness are inscribed in the collective conscience of humankind,” he added.
He recounted India’s role in missions ranging from Congo and Korea to South Sudan and Lebanon, where Indian soldiers, police, and medical professionals have stood alongside the international community to protect vulnerable populations and support post-conflict reconstruction.
Singh also strongly urged reforms of the United Nations and other major multilateral institutions, underlining that comprehensive changes are essential to restore global confidence and strengthen collective action.
The defence minister’s remarks come at a time when nations are grappling with shifting geopolitical dynamics, and multilateral institutions face increasing calls for adaptation to contemporary security and governance challenges.
