| Introduction 1. Good afternoon His excellencies ladies and gentlemen. It is only
appropriate, that on the second day of the Seminar, I share with you India's experiences
in peacekeeping as well as the Indian Army's abilities in capacity building and training
UN peacekeepers.
2. The basic role of the Indian Army is to deter
war and ensure the protection of the nation from internal threats to national
security. However, the Army has a subsidiary role in contributing to promote global
security interests through the maintenance of international peacekeeping.
3. In support of UN peacekeeping endeavours, the
Indian Army has contributed outstanding force commanders, elite military contingents,
impartial observers and dedicated staff officers. The Indian Army's first commitment on UN
assignment arose immediately after the Korean War Since then, India has participated in 30
UN peacekeeping missions over a span of 50 years, contributing over 50,000 Indian
soldiers, and serving for the cause of peace in various parts of the world.
4. Today as one of the major troops contributors and
firm supporters of the objectives set out in the UN Charter, and having vast and varied
experience in UN peacekeeping, we must reflect on our future vision and lessons learnt,
both at the conceptual and field levels.
5. Towards this end, I shall address the following
issues:
(a) Achievements in peacekeeping operations.
(b) Capacity building.
(c) Role of Army Training Command.
(d) Training of peacekeepers.
(e) Contribution of technology.
Major Achievements in Peacekeeping Operations
Korea
6. 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army formed
part of the UN force under General Douglas MacArthur. It took part in an airborne mission
alongwith American troops. In the course of fighting, the team performed life saving
surgery and treated 400 casualties. All together, the unit treated more than 1800 battle
casualties and some 9000 sick and injured in Korea. The Korean War ended in the capture of
a large number of prisoners, many of whom refused repatriation. Lt Gen KS Thimayya as the
chairman of the NNRC (Neutral Natonal Repatriation Commission) and Maj Gen SPP Thorat as
the Custodian Force Commander, resolved the intricate situation tactfully. The Indian
Custodian Force took custody of over 22,000 prisoners of war till their final disposal.
Its tasks involved:
(a) Assembling non-repatriated persons from within
the conflict zone.
(b) Explaining of rights and privileges and obtaining their options of choosing their
country of choice.
7. Indian Custodian Force handled the delicate
situation with compassion, patience, fairness and neutrality, which earned them world wide
admiration world over.
Congo
8. The Indian Army contributed an infantry brigade
group in the Congo in 1961 for conduct of military operations. As part of the (ONUC)
(Congo), the Brigade Group, under the able leadership of Brigadiers KJS Raja, RS Naronha,
and Major General Dewan Prem Chand, conducted the first peace enforcement operation of the
UN successfully. On 31 Dec 1961, the Brigade Group regained full control of Katanga amidst
stiff resistance offered by the Katangese Gerdarmerie. By the end of 1962, under the
resolute leadership of Major General Dewan Prem Chand and Brigadier RS Naronha, the Indian
Brigade secured the key town of Kowlezi, which took the rebels by complete surprise.
Suffering high reverses and demoralisation, the Gendarmerie laid down their arms,
resulting in the re-unification of Congo.
Gaza (United Nations Emergency Force - UNEF-I)
9. The Indian infantry battalion group in Gaza
monitored the buffer zone between Egypt and the Anglo-French forces in December 1956.
Indian contingents were responsible for the smooth exchange of prisoners of war,
monitoring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula, and supervising the
cessation of hostilities between Egypt and Israel along the Armistice Demarcation Line
(ADL). Inspite of the rough terrain and scattered minefields, Indian troops covered their
area of responsibility (AOR) effectively with patrols and check posts. Indian peacekeepers
maintained the peace in teh Gaza Strip till May 1967, when war again broke out between
Egypt and Israel. The UNEF-I is a telling example of the importance of UN peacekeeping
forces and their limitations. For more than 11 years, the Indian contingent effectively
maintained peace in one of the most sensitive areas of the Middle East. In fact, even
today, an Infantry Battalion Group (2/4 GR) is performing the delicate task of maintaining
peace in Southern Lebanon as part of UNIFIL.
Cambodia (UNTAC)
10. The twelve years of conflict in Cambodia has been
one of the most vicious in recent history. Indian contribution to UNTAC was considerable
with an infantry battalion group, field ambulance company, mine-training team, staff
personnel and military observers being provided. The Indian battalion's area of
responsibility included the three most politically sensitive provinces in Cambodia,
including the undeveloped and rather large province of Kampong Cham. The Mission was
responsible for disarming large factions, providing a secure environment for the
registration of voters and ensuring electoral security. The Indian Field Ambulance
provided medical cover to UN units and thousands of locals. The mine-training team, in
conjunction with teams from 14 other countries, undertook large scale demining operations,
involving the local community as well.
Somalia (UNOSOM-II)
11. UNOSOM-II sought to restore order, promote
reconciliation and help rebuild Somalia's civil governance and economy. India contributed
a Naval Task Force of three warships as part of UNITAF (United Task Force). For UNOSOM-II,
the Indian Army deployed an all-arms infantry brigade group, including armour and
helicopters.
12. The contribution of the Indian Brigade has been
commended for carrying out humanitarian assistance and civic action programmes under very
difficult conditions. The Indian Brigade demonstrated to the international community, not
only its capability to deal with the military aspects of UN peacekeeping but also its
capacity to assist the local community in restoring village level organisations, and
providing water supply and humanitarian assistance like medical aid, reviving schools,
livestock care, and so on.
13. The de-induction of the Indian Brigade was
assisted by an Indian naval task force. The entire de-induction operation was meticulously
planned and executed without use of force, thereby demonstrating a high level of
inter-Service coordination within the Indian Armed Forces.
Namibia (UNTAG)
14. UNTAG was essentially political in character,
with the mandate of ensuring free and fair elections on Namibia. Under the Force
Commander, Lt Gen Dewan Premchand, the Indian Army was represented by 15 military
observers, police monitors and electoral supervisors.
Capacity Building
50 Years of Peacekeeping Experience
15. In the past 50 years, the Indian Army has
contributed personnel for major UN missions, operating in different continents in a
variety of peacekeeping operations, particularly in Korea, Gaza, Congo, Cambodia, Somalia,
Rwanda, Angola and now in Lebanon (UNIFIL-II). We have contributed outstanding force
commanders like Lt. Gen Dewan Prem Chand, Maj Gen KS Thimayya, Maj Gen SPP Thorat, Maj Gen
IJ Rikhye, Maj Gen PS Gyani and Lt Gen S Nambiar. These commanders have helped us in
generating greater awareness on peacekeeping fine tuning the doctrine of peacekeeping and
dealing with the delicate nuances of such operations. We have updated our peacekeeping
techniques based on the experiences of past peacekeeping missions, and have a large pool
of trained peacekeepers.
Operational Experience
16. The Indian Army has the experience of operating
over varied terrain which is possibly unique in the world. Our operational deployment and
sustainability ranges from mountains and glaciers in the North to the deserts of
Rajasthan, and from the jungles of the North East to the marine environment of our Island
Territories. Moreover, we are one of the very few Armed Forces that have continuing
operational experience in the entire spectrum of conflict, from operations other than war
(OOTW), to low intensity conflict, conventional warfighting and nuclear warfare.
Disaster Management
17. Given the size and the geographical and social
diversity of India, natural and man-made disasters are not uncommon. Disaster management
being a multi-discipline subject, involves interaction between several agencies,
departments and non-governmental organisations. In this context, the Armed Forces have
been at the force front in assisting state governments during such disasters. In
particular, the Army's expertise lies in 'advocacy planning' in disaster preparedness
specifically. Advocacy planning acts as catalyic agent for:
(a) Analysis of options for local self government,
NGOs and other community based organisations.
(b) Seeking a cost effective approach to bring maximum benefits to a wide range of
beneficiaries at an affordable cost.
(c) Clear allocation of responsibilities to various agencies and coordination.
(d) Understanding in social psychology, particularly human behaviour and response of
communities and various institutions.
(e) Generating community participation, public awareness and management of information.
(f) Relief measures and manage assessment techniques.
(g) Community health and casualty management
(h) Post disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction, including its social and economic
aspects.
(j) Monitoring methodologies.
18. Apart from its role in advocacy planning, the
Armed Forces are often called out to assist civil authorities in dealing with natural
calamities like cyclones, earthquakes, floods and man-made disasters such as air and rail
accidents. Their expertise ranges from humanitarian aid, food supply, medical assistance,
evacuation of casualties and emergency relief, to providing assistance to local government
in bring early normalcy. These operations are common place in peacekeeping.
De-mining Capability andRehabilitation Programmes
19. Our de-mining unit in Cambodia earned a lot of
goodwill through their professionalism and sincerity in involving the local community in
demining. The Indian Army has a proven de-mining capability and this will become quite
evident today after the presentation-cum-discussion on demining. In this regards, the
expertise available are:
(a) De-mining techniques.
(b) Mine awareness.
(c) Development of community action programmes.
(d) Imparting training in mine clearance and generating public awareness.
(e) Availability of low cost prosthetics and the treatment and rehabilitation of amputees.
(f) Vast experience in dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices and disposal of
unexploded Ordinance.
Logistics Support to Peacekeeping Operations
20. The Army's specialised logistics units have done
extremely well in Mozambique and Somalia as part of the integrated logistics systems in
the mission. The Indian Army possesses a large and efficient logistics infrastructure in
support of its field armies. We can therefore support large independent formations over
protracted periods in under-developed area. Our expertise in supporting and extracting the
Brigade Group in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) bears testimony to such capability. To back up our
Army resources, we also have the logistics lift capability of the Indian Air Force and
Indian Navy, especially in overseas transportation and re-supply.
Greater Sustenance Capability
21. We possess an impressive rapid response,
tri-Service force projection capability. We also possess a "Stand Alone
Capability" to provide support any peacekeeping operation. Resources of a Joint Task
Force can be utilised to overcome tactical hurdles and sustain forces for protracted
periods. Indian Army's peacekeeping operations in Congo, Somalia, Cambodia are just some
examples. Indian warships (INS DEEPAK, INS KUTHAR and INS CHEETAH) assisted in carrying
out relief and humanitarian aid to the famine and war-striken people of Somalia. Likewise
Indian warships (INS GANGA, INS GODAVARI and INS SHAKTI) also provided naval presence and
helped in extraction of our forces from in Somalia (Kismayu).
Large Industrial Base
22. India is one of the world's leading developing
countries and is wired into the global economy. With a strong and growing industrial and
hi-tech base, we are producing world class products indigenously. Today, India possesses
an mpressive trained technical manpower and industrial infrastructural base. Our
industrial products range from:
All types of hi-tech communication equipment.
Computers, including information technology. Vehicles of all class and ranges. Habitat
construction. Electrification and water supply. Restoration of road, rail and air links.
Air and sea port handling.
Indian contingents on UN peacekeeping assignments are
being equipped with the latest equipment from the trade. The Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), which belongs to the apex group of industry associations in India, has a
direct membership of over 3,800 companies, whose total investment is over $73 billion.
UN Stand-By Forces
23. While therehas been a positive response to the
Stand-by Forces concept, the idea of a Standing UN Army has not found favour everywhere.
The Stand-By Force concept is a more realistic and economical especially in scenarios
where the ground situation is in a flux. India has an infantry brigade group stand-by for
peacekeeping operations with one infantry battalion ready to be deployed within 30 days
and brigade group less a infantry battalion group within a period of 8 weeks from issue of
orders.
Role of ARTRAC
24. There is a need to control and provide policy
guidance to the large network of training establishments in the Army. There is also a
requirement to evolve common doctrines at all levels of level of war in the entire
spectrum of conflict. Both these needs are complementary.
25. We felt the need to have a separate Headquarters
solely responsible for combat development and training in the Army. This idea gave birth
to ARTRAC in 1991. Overall, it is responsible for evolving doctrine, concepts and force
structure; enunciating training policy as well as coordinating training in the Army. The
major responsibilities of ARTRAC are:
(a) Policy formation, a responsibility which is
partly shared with Army Headquarters.
(b) Doctrine and concept development in the entire spectrum of conflict (with which my
Branches concerned).
(c) Force restructuring.
(d) Management of all training institutions and battle laboratories.
(e) Interaction with regional commands.
(f) War-gaming and simulations.
(g) Joint training, and specialised warfare training which includes peacekeepng.
(h) Study of future conflict milieus.
(i) HRD and technology upgrades.
(k) Modern ligistics structures.
The only other comparable organisationis the American
TRADOC. No other Army has a training command of the scale and magnitude we have Next to
war, training is the most important activity in any Army - and towards this end, ARTRAC is
striving hand to achieve the Army's Vision for the 21st century.
Institutional Training
26. Wehave a very large network of training
establishments, catering to the needs of different Arms and Services, as well as
specialised training. While some training establishments are Arms-specific, others are
common to all. Training begins on induction of a person as an officer or as a soldier,
progressing to technical and tactical training, specialist training and joint Services
training, and finally culminating in operational and strategic level training for
officers. In particular, I would like to single out some of our world-class training
establishments like the National Defence Academy, the Indian Military Academy, the College
of Combat, Defence Service Staff College, College of Defence Management and National
Defence College. The Junior Leaders Academy, recently set up, has been added to this
prestigious list and caters to a long-felt need for specifically training junior leaders
(senior NCOs and JCOs) in military as well as peacekeeping environment, thereby making our
training models even more thorough and comprehensive.
Interaction with Foreign Armies
27. A large number of foreign students officers
undergo courses of instruction in India. they range from pre-commission training at the
National Defence Academy and the respective Services officers academy to specialised and
tactical courses. Approximately 600 foreign officers undergo training in various
establishments of the Indian Army. The presence of a large number of foreign officers
facilitates mutual sharing of expertise and understanding of national viewpoints, a factor
whichis beneficial while operating alongside other national contingents in a mission area.
Quality of Training
28. In keeping with information technology, there has
been a gradual shift in our training methodology towards simulation and computer aided
training (CAT) which has helped us keep pace with advancements made in several developed
countries. Complementing modern training technologies is the rich operational experience
we have. This enables us to further improve the quality of leadership, training and
character. This training philosophy was stood us in good stead and has ensured a solid
base comprising well trained commanders, junior leaders and soldiers knit into strong and
effective units and formations.
Training of UN Peacekeepers
ARTRAC
29. The training mechanism of peacekeepers is
conceptualised and conducted at two levels in a top-down approach. At the apex level,
ARTRAC is responsible for:
(a) Doctrine and concept development (operations and
logistics included) in keeping with Army and national policy, the changing nature of
peacekeeping, budgetary constraints and ournational experiences. These are further
disseminated to battle laboratories and included in the curriculum of various training
courses.
(b) Defining approaches for interoperability with
other Services, government agencies as well as non-governmental organisations.
Interoperability also encompasses interaction with other national contingents in a mission
area.
(c) Preparation and refinement of specific training
packages for:
(i) General public and military awareness on the UN
Charter, articles dealing with maintenance of international peace and security and
functions of the various organs of the UN.
(ii) Departing contingents or those likely to be
nominated for UN peacekeeping missions.
(iii) Military observers and staff officers.
(iv) Military and sociological aspects of demining.
(d) Validation and monitoring of peacekeeping
training.
Peacekeeping Training Centre
30. At the next and operative level, we have moved
towards institutionalising training of UN peacekeepers. Units, formations and individuals
selected or likely to participate in UN peacekeeping missions, undergo specific training
in the Peacekeeping Training Centre in New Delhi, under the guidance of Headquarters
ARTRAC. A large pool of officers, JCOs and NCOs and OR who have participated in earlier UN
missions are available as instructors. Their experience and feedback after each mission
helps in updating the training content and methodologies at the Peacekeeping Training
Centre. Since a good peacekeeper is also a good soldier, the skills required for
peacekeepers are built on the foundation of basic military skills. The Peacekeeping
Training Centre re-emphasises the core values of a soldier's training - respect for human
rights and local customs and traditions of the community. A detailed presentation on
training of peacekeepers is being given to you this afternoon and I would not like to
steal the thunder.
31. Given India's experience, expertise and training
infrastructure in peacekeping as well as wider-peacekeeping, it is onlynatural that we
share our capabilities with the rest of the international community.
Contribution of Technology
Role
32. With the increase in the scale and scope of
peacekeeping, UN contingents have been given a grater number of support functions in
promoting primary objectives of other specialised UN agencies and NGOs Primarily, these
are provision of theatre-level logistics and discharging non-military tasks such as
electocal processes, refugee repatriation, demining, distribution of humanitarian
supplies, demobilisation and separation of forces and preventive deployment. In order to
effectively carry out these functions, technology undeniably has a decisive role in
peacekeeping. Since peacekeeping is an integrated part of a political solution, technology
must be suitably tailored to meet these goals.
33. Technology needs to be considered as a force
multiplier and not a substitute for good political judgement or sound military doctrine
and operating techniques. More specifically, technology can be a key element in increasing
the credibility of peacekeepers in:
- Mission analysis and planning.
- Force protection.
- Enhancement in operational effectiveness and mobility.
- Greater situational awareness and monitoring.
- Demining.
- Management of media and public information.
- Emergency relief and reconstruction.
Intelligence, Information Gathering and Processing
34. I wish to highlight three key technologies that
will go a long way in enhancing the success of a mission. The first is Intelligence,
Information-gathering and Processing. In politically fluid and complex military
situations, advanced resources and procedurs for collecting, assessing and dissemination
of information within a peace support mission are required Real-time information regarding
strengths and dispositions of local factions, minefields and socio economic profiles, for
example, will be useful in this regard. Information technology will also help in
anticipating developments on the ground, which if undetected, could derail the peace plan.
Some of the force multiplication technologies in this regard are:
Ground and aerial surveillance systems, especially
unattended ground sensors (UGS) and UAVs. Multi spectral satellite imagery, wth advanced
mapping software to provide "quick response" mapping capabilty and distribution
to forces and NGOs.
Landmines
35. The presence of nearly 100 million mines in 60
countries, with an annual casualty rate of 26,000, is a formidable threat and matter of
great concern. Despite allinternational efforts, indiscriminate mining is still on the
increase. Landmines are an impediment to peacekeeping operations such as economic
reconstruction, agricultural activity, resettlement of refugees and distribution of
humanitarian aid.
36. Unlike the military which breaches mines for the
safe passage of its troops and vehicles, humanitarian de-mining simply cannot accept any
casualty. Unless safety standards are 99.6%, the impact of a single missed mine in a
"cleared area" destroys the confidence of the population with adverse political
and psychological fallouts. The present cost of clearing one mine is $400-$1000 because no
cheap mine clearance technologies are presently available. The current rate of mine
clearing is 34 times slower than the rate of laying. In Cambodia alone, which has the
highest percentage of amputees per capita 1:236, with present technologies, 1500 trained
de-miners will take more than 300 years to clear the country.
37. Such is the magnitude of the challenge. We need
to urgently:
Make a R&D breakthrough in finding cheap
technology. We need to work out how infra-red detectors (used in Somalia), X-Ray back
scatter, ground penetrating radar and neutron-gamma reaction techniques can be made
affordable. Create a single clearing house on the Internet for exchange of ideas. The DPKO
could take on this responsibility.
Media Technology
38. The third key technology is media. The media has
dramatic power in driving policy where it does not exist and bringing immediacy to a
crisis far removed from home. The "CNN syndrome" is a reality; it has direct
impact on decision makers in New York and all the capitals of the world. Decision makers
look more at press and meda summaries than intelligence reports. Factional leaders and the
population generally take their cue from the media. In Bosnia, for example, 80% of the
population watches television as the primary source of news. Consequently, media is a
resource that canbeused to the best advantage of peacekeepers.
39. Media technology and expertise in
media-cooperation and public relations is a major force multiplier in peacekeeping
operations. This includes transmitting information about the goals and conduct of
operation to the population within a mission area and preparing counters to disinformation
from the opposition. Radio and TV broadcasting equipment and videos can help a lot in
spreading the factual position. In Cambodia, UN video programmes effectively countered the
Khmer Rouge campaign of terror to prevent voter turnout in the UN supervised national
elections of 1993.
Technology Insertion Process
40. Technology insertion has to be carefully managed
for optimum results especially within the multinational environment of a peacekeeping
mission. In particular, we need to address the problems of interoperability, rules of
engagement (ROE), intelligence dissemination, affordability and technology insertion.
41. The recommended technology insertion process is a
systems approach and must go through the following steps:
- First Step - Panels consisting of technologists
and peacekeepers consider the specific mandate of a mission and the potential technologies
that canimprove force structure, command and control, doctrine and operating techniques.
- Second Step - The same panel sets up simulation
activities to evaluate the technology. Wargames, exercises, simulations, and models are
employed for this purpose. Thereafter, the results are codified and disseminated to the
user as a concept. This should cover:
-
Doctrine development
- Force mix.
- Education.
- Training package.
- Further systems development.
- Third Step - User feedback is applied for
further refinement
Conclusion
42. Ladies and Gentlemen, India, as one of the
founder member of the United Nations, appreciates its responsibilities towards the UN
charter and has consistently contributed towards UN efforts in maintenance of
international peace and security. Indian participation in UN peacekeeping operations since
1950 bears a testimony towards our resolve in this regards.
43. In continuing with our support to international
peace and security. India is committed to participation in UN peacekeepng efforts. Indian
Army, in its true disciplined style will always be ready to shoulder these
responsibilities under the Blue Flag, whenever the Government calls for it. |
