🌍 Introduction & Background

• The Ukraine war is moving toward a fragile ceasefire.
  
  
• A key question arises: who will oversee the implementation of peace?
  
  
• Peace seems distant due to deep-rooted conflict; suggestions for peacekeeping forces are emerging.
  
  

⚠️ Concerns with European-led Peacekeeping

1. Russia’s objection: Any NATO (Western) presence is unacceptable.
   
   
2. Western leaders’ proposals: Suggest peacekeeping roles for European countries.
   
   
3. Perception issue: A NATO-led force may be seen as biased and escalate conflict.
   
   
4. UK’s Keir Starmer’s stance: Peacekeepers should be neutral and accepted by both sides.
   
   
5. Practical risks: Deploying European troops might provoke Russia and hinder peace.
   
   

🌐 Why the Global South is Better Positioned

1. Neutrality:
   
   
   • Most countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
     
     
   • They have not taken strong sides against Russia or Ukraine.
     
     
2. Credibility:
   
   
   • This neutrality boosts their credibility as peacekeepers.
     
     
   • Example: India’s balanced stance and efforts to maintain ties with both sides.
     
     
3. Experience:
   
   
   • Global South nations like India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia have long-standing peacekeeping experience.
     
     
   • African Union (AU) also contributes to peacekeeping, particularly in Africa.
     
     

🛡️ Operational Capacity

1. Troop Contributions:
   
   
   • Countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal have been among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.
     
     
   • India has over 5,000 troops deployed
     
     
2. Women Peacekeepers:
   
   
   • India became the first country to deploy an all-women peacekeeping unit in 2007.
     
     
   • This enhances its reputation and impact.
     
     

🧭 Diplomatic & Geopolitical Edge

1. UN Involvement:
   
   
   • UN peacekeeping missions should be led by neutral
     
     
   • Global South countries can lead under UN mandates, minimizing Western-Russian tensions.
     
     
2. Non-alignment history:
   
   
   • Many countries in the Global South have a legacy of non-alignment, making them better mediators.
     
     

🤝 The Way Forward

1. India’s Role:
   
   
   • India, being respected by both Russia and Ukraine, can play a lead role in any peace initiative.
     
     
   • It can use its G20 presidency experience and historical peacekeeping contributions.
     
     
2. Peacekeeping as a broader strategy:
   
   
   • Peacekeeping must be seen not just as troop deployment but a diplomatic balancing act.
     
     

A well-structured peace initiative by the Global South can shape global peace efforts in the 21st century.