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NEW DELHI: China aims to increase its influence over the 193 members of the international organization United Nations (UN) by increasing its troop contribution, adding up to three times the current figures.
China plans to add around 8,000 more troops to its current troop deployment of 2,548 People’s Liberation Army mainly on UN missions in Africa.
India has been a major troop contributor for various UN missions. Currently, there are 5,425 Indian soldiers serving in eight of the 13 UN missions. In four of these missions, Indian Army troops from infantry battalions serve at any given time, which include Lebanon, South Sudan, Congo, and the Golan Heights.
A batch of 200 soldiers is prepared to leave for southern Sudan on November 27.
Major General MK Katiyar said on Friday: “We have around 5,500 soldiers in eight countries in Africa and the Middle East. They work tirelessly to keep the peace in conflict zones. Their contribution has been applauded by all and Indian troops are the most wanted “.
Major General MK Katiyar serves as the Additional Director General of Functions of the Indian Army General Staff, which manages the UN posts.
Major General SB Asthana (Retd), Defense Analaysts, sees the Chinese step as a move not only to increase its footprints, but also to increase Chinese influence in various UN bodies.
The UN was born in 1945 with the central mission of maintaining international peace and security.
“China has realized the importance of troop deployment because of the operational experiences they will gain. Also, with more troops, the number of seats in various mission staff positions will eventually increase, ultimately leading to better footprints and influence, “added Major Gen Asthana.
China is one of the largest financial contributors to the UN. China currently contributes 12% of the UN regular general budget and 15% of the UN peacekeeping budget. By contrast, India’s contribution to the UN regular budget is 0.83% of the total budget and 0.16% of the peacekeeping budget.
“China’s financial contribution will help in the indirect influence, as there will be large beneficiaries of the finances provided by China and more in the situation where the UN faces financial constraints,” Major General Asthana said.
Indian troops are wanted after troops due to the country’s policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries unless ordered by the UN. In addition, it works for the local welfare.
Other countries have also shown interest in serving under Indian troops in the UN Mission, a company that has 120 Kazakh Army soldiers serving under the Indian Unit in Lebanon since 2018.
Since the first UN mission in 1953, more than 250,000 Indian soldiers have served in the United Nations, 52 out of 71 missions.
