Date: 29th May 2025 | Location: Radisson Blu Marina, Connaught Place, New Delhi
The Global Trade & Technology Council (India) (GTTCI) solemnly commemorated the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2025 on 29th May at Radisson Blu Marina, New Delhi, under the global theme for this year — “Future of Peacekeeping.” The event witnessed the presence of ambassadors, diplomats, defense officials, and thought leaders who came together to honor the bravery and contributions of UN peacekeepers and discuss the evolving landscape of global peace efforts.
The event commenced with the national anthem and a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder President of GTTCI, who together highlighted the growing need for collective security and the importance of partnerships in international peacekeeping missions. Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI along with Mr. Rakesh Asthana, Chief Advisor to GTTCI, Former Director General of the Border Security Force and Former Commissioner of Delhi Police, extended a welcome to the guests followed by Mr. Asthana’s address to then set the theme for the evening, emphasizing the increasingly complex nature of global conflicts and the urgent need to modernize peacekeeping operations to address these challenges. He also concluded the evening by delivering the vote of thanks, acknowledging the rich exchange of insights and the unity among nations in promoting peace.
A particularly engaging moment came with the address of H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia, who shared Mongolia’s long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping missions across various regions, underscoring their commitment to global peace and security. Diplomats and officials from multiple countries offered their perspectives on the transformative role of UN peacekeepers in their respective regions. They spoke about how peacekeepers have helped stabilize administrative frameworks, restore political balance, and rebuild communities recovering from conflict. Among the key international voices were H.E. Mr. Sahidou Tanimoune, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Niger; Colonel Venant Nsabimana, Defense Attaché from the Embassy of Burundi; H.E. Mr. K.L. Ganju, Consul General of the Union of Comoros; Mrs. Elena, Head of the Russian House in New Delhi; and representatives from the Embassies of Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, along with a visiting journalist from Syria who shared real-world accounts of conflict zones and peacekeeper interventions.
Adding depth to the discussion, Mr. Sanjay Gaur and Mr. V.K. Thapaliyal, both Inspectors General from the Border Security Force (BSF), offered experiential insights from their fieldwork. They spoke about the challenges faced by ground personnel, the vital coordination between peacekeeping troops and local authorities, and how capacity-building and cultural sensitivity are central to mission success. Their remarks reflected not just operational concerns but a deep respect for the humanitarian essence of peacekeeping.
Dr. D.R. Kaarthikeyan, Former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), delivered a thought-provoking address highlighting how the self-interest of specific political or extremist groups continues to ignite conflict across regions, thereby necessitating stronger and more adaptive peacekeeping mechanisms. He emphasized the importance of tackling the root causes of unrest and building more inclusive global institutions.
A unifying thread across all addresses was the shared understanding that peacekeeping must evolve rapidly in the face of emerging cybersecurity threats, hybrid warfare, and new forms of aggression against national sovereignty. Speakers called for the integration of advanced technologies, stronger cyber defense strategies, and better-trained multinational forces to deal with the changing dynamics of modern conflict.
