UN peacekeeping official urges India to increase contributions

UNITED NATIONS: A top UN peacekeeping official has requested India, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, to increase its contributions, in particular in terms of much-needed peacekeeping enablers.

Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare is currently in India and is meeting with senior officials, including the External Affairs Minister and Chief of Army Staff, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here yesterday.

Khare expressed the UN's appreciation for India's significant contributions and urged the Indian Government to increase its contributions, in particular in terms of much-needed peacekeeping enablers, Dujarric said.

He added that all interlocutors reiterated their strong and continued commitment to the eradication of conduct and discipline violations and to taking quick action should a case occur.

Khare will proceed to Dhaka from September 13 to 15, where he is expected to engage in discussions with senior Government officials on both the challenges and opportunities related to UN operations.