Tapan Kumar Deka Speaks at UN Chief of Police Summit on Peacekeeping
New York [US], July 2: Tapan Kumar Deka, the Director of India’s Intelligence Bureau, spoke at the UN Chief of Police Summit (UNCOPS) about the importance of national efforts in ensuring civilian security. He emphasized that local political and social processes are crucial for peace.
Challenges in Peacekeeping
During the plenary session on ‘Strengthening Peace Operations & Peace Enforcement,’ Deka highlighted the increasing complexity of maintaining international peace and security. He noted that intra-state conflicts involving non-state armed groups are making peacekeeping operations more challenging.
Deka stressed that peace operations need clear mandates, adequate resources, and well-defined exit strategies. He pointed out that solutions imposed from outside often fail and that national efforts are irreplaceable for creating a secure environment for civilians.
India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
Deka also spoke about India’s significant contribution to UN Peacekeeping. India is one of the largest troop-contributing countries, with a Formed Police Unit of 139 personnel, including 11 women, deployed in MONUSCO, DRC. Additionally, 11 Individual Police Officers are deployed in UNMISS, South Sudan, and one in UNISFA, Abyei (Sudan).
He mentioned that there are often divergences in the interpretation of mandates among various stakeholders, which can threaten the safety of peacekeepers and hinder mandate delivery.
Need for Coordination and Strategic Communication
Deka called for continuous and effective coordination between the UN leadership, host nations, and troop/police-contributing countries. He also emphasized the need to combat misinformation and disinformation spread through digital and social media.
Reforming the Security Council
Deka advocated for the expansion of the UN Security Council’s membership to better reflect current global realities. He highlighted that more than half of the Security Council’s work focuses on Africa and called for greater African representation.
In a post on X, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York stated that Deka conveyed India’s position on UN Policing during the 4th UNCOPS on June 27.
Deka concluded by stressing the importance of creating the right political conditions and supporting development to prevent conflicts, while also respecting the sovereignty of host nations.
