Context

• As the Ukraine war inches toward a fragile ceasefire, recent diplomatic breakthroughs, such as maritime and energy truces brokered in Riyadh, have reignited conversations about an enduring peace.
• Western powers float the idea of a European-led peacekeeping force, the proposition is fraught with strategic, political, and perceptual challenges.
• In contrast, a coalition from the Global South, nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, backed by the United Nations, presents a more neutral, credible, and strategically sound alternative for peacekeeping in Ukraine.

The Limits of a European-led Initiative

• At face value, Europe seems a logical choice to lead peacekeeping efforts due to its geographic proximity and strategic interest in the region.
• Leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed readiness to contribute troops.
• However, these ambitions run up against stark geopolitical realities, primarily, Russia's firm rejection of any NATO-affiliated force on Ukrainian soil.
• Moscow perceives a European-led mission as a disguised expansion of NATO influence, which would not only undermine trust but could potentially reignite hostilities.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently warned such a move would “further fuel the conflict and stop any attempts to calm it down.”
• Beyond Russia’s objections, public sentiment within Europe itself is largely resistant to troop deployments, particularly in such a volatile context.
• Opinion polls in France, for example, revealed overwhelming opposition to Macron’s earlier proposal to send French troops.
• Even if logistical and financial hurdles could be overcome, Europe’s involvement would struggle to project the impartiality required of a peacekeeping operation.

The Case for the Global South

• A Legacy of Principled Neutrality
  • Unlike NATO member states or Russia’s close allies, most Global South nations have pursued a balanced diplomatic posture throughout the war.
  • This neutrality is not merely strategic ambiguity but reflects a deep-rooted commitment to principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and respect for sovereignty, values enshrined in the foundational charters of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Diplomatic and Operational Readiness
  • Beyond political neutrality, the Global South brings with it decades of hands-on experience in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
  • Countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa have contributed significantly to United Nations peacekeeping missions across continents, often in some of the most complex and volatile environments.
  • These countries have honed not only the tactical aspects of peacekeeping, including troop deployment, logistics, and demining, but also the softer elements such as conflict mediation, civil-military relations, and community engagement.
  • The Global South’s strength lies in its diversity, which is not just symbolic; but enhances operational effectiveness by bringing together varied expertise, languages, and cultural competencies, which are essential for engaging with local populations and rebuilding fractured societies.
• Technological and Specialized Capabilities
  • A common critique of Global South peacekeeping forces is that they lack advanced technology or resources compared to Western militaries.
  • While it is true that resource constraints exist, many countries have adapted by developing specialised capabilities.
  • For instance, Chile has become renowned for its expertise in humanitarian demining, a critical requirement for Ukraine, where large swathes of territory are now littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance.
• Political Legitimacy and Global Perception
  • Perhaps the most significant advantage the Global South brings is its political legitimacy in the eyes of the broader international community.
  • A peacekeeping mission led by Western powers, particularly NATO states, would be perceived by many as a continuation of geopolitical rivalry rather than a genuine effort at reconciliation.
  • In contrast, a mission helmed by the Global South, under the auspices of the United Nations, would carry a broader appeal, not only to the direct parties involved but also to neutral states and civil society actors across the globe.

Preconditions for Success and India’s Unique Position

• Preconditions for Success
  • For a Global South-led peacekeeping mission to succeed, several critical conditions must be satisfied.
  • Foremost is the establishment of a robust and clearly defined ceasefire, coupled with the demarcation of frontlines.
  • A Security Council mandate would provide the legal and moral authority needed, while Western logistical and financial support, without direct troop involvement, could enhance operational capacity.
  • To further affirm neutrality, NATO troops must be explicitly excluded from the mission.
• India’s Unique Position
  • India emerges as a particularly well-qualified leader for such a mission.
  • With over 2,90,000 peacekeepers contributed to 50 UN missions and more than 160 personnel martyred in the line of duty, India's legacy in peacekeeping is second to none.
  • Its all-women police contingent in Liberia set a precedent for progressive and community-sensitive engagement in conflict zones.
  • India’s diplomatic credibility, grounded in its neutral posture and balanced relationships with all major actors in the conflict, positions it as a natural frontrunner for leading a Global South initiative.

Conclusion

• The road to a lasting peace in Ukraine demands more than ceasefires and diplomatic handshakes, it requires a peacekeeping force seen as credible, neutral, and effective.
• A European-led mission risks reigniting tensions and undermining fragile trust.
• On the other hand, a UN-backed peacekeeping force led by the Global South can offer a pathway grounded in fairness and cooperation.
• For India, and for the broader coalition of Global South nations, the moment to step forward is now, not just for Ukraine, but for the recalibration of global power and the revitalization of the United Nations' peacekeeping mandate.