Page 11 - The Indian EYE 071125

OPINION JULY 11, 2025 | The Indian Eye 11

al K.S. Thimmayya, Chairman of the
NNRC. It comprised of the Garhwal
Rifles, Dogra, Rajputana Rifles and
Jat regiments, along with critical an-
cillary and medical components (in-
cluding the 60 Parachute Field Am-
bulance that was already in Korea),
apart from civilian language experts.
Their mission was to hold custo-
dy of non-repatriated POWs, oversee
voluntary repatriation, and facilitate
‘explanations’ to allow prisoners to
choose their future, upholding strict
neutrality and professional discipline.
This deployment was a powerful
demonstration of India’s commitment
to peace and its willingness to back
diplomatic efforts with significant on-
the-ground resources, establishing
a key precedent for its international
peacekeeping role.

A CALL TO GLOBAL
LEADERSHIP

he lessons from India’s as-
tute, resolute diplomacy in the
TKorean War are not merely
historical footnotes but a powerful The Custodial Force of India in Korea was a tangible commitment, backing diplomatic efforts with on-the-ground resources (File photo)
blueprint for engaging with today’s
tumultuous global landscape. The for diplomatic solutions, even when
enduring legacy of the Korean War just to react to crises, but to actively INVESTING IN immediate prospects seem bleak,
implores India to be more than a sig- seek opportunities to provide criti- serving as a constant reminder to the
nificant regional player. It demands cal assistance in every major conflict GLOBAL STABILITY world that even the most intractable
that the nation translate its historical zone. This will entail, for instance, he Custodial Force of India conflicts can ultimately find a peace-
achievements into a more decisive partnering with an Indian aid agency, in Korea was a tangible com- ful resolution.
and proactive role on the world stage. embodying the neutral, humanitari- Tmitment, backing diplomatic
In conflicts spanning Ukraine and an principles the ICRC once cham-
Russia, Iran and Israel, or Hamas and pioned, intervening in such zones to efforts with on-the-ground resourc- CONCLUSION
es. For contemporary conflicts, India
Israel—where India notably main- build trust and foster stability irre- must now consider where it can make he Korean War proved un-
tains strong ties, including hosting spective of political alignments. similarly impactful contributions be- equivocally that India can be an
a Palestinian embassy—India finds yond traditional diplomatic channels. Tindispensable force for peace
itself uniquely positioned. It pos- ASSERTING TRUE This could involve significantly in- on the global stage. Seventy-five years
sesses established relationships with creased participation in UN peace- later, with its unique blend of moral
all sides, a deeply rooted history of DIPLOMATIC LEADERSHIP keeping missions, taking the lead on authority and practical engagement,
non-alignment, and the moral author- ndia’s historical capacity to en- multilateral initiatives for conflict res- India can fully realise its potential as
ity painstakingly earned through past gage with and mediate between olution, or offering specialised techni- a true global peacemaker. The critical
peacemaking efforts. This unique dip- ICold War adversaries in Korea cal expertise for crucial post-conflict question today is no longer whether
lomatic real estate, however, comes stemmed directly from its principled reconstruction efforts. With its rapidly India can make a difference, but how
with a corresponding responsibility. neutrality—a stance characterised by growing economic might and vast hu- much more difference it is willing to
Drawing directly from its Korean
War experience, India has clear path- active, deliberate engagement, not man capital, India possesses the ca- make, and with what renewed resolve.
passive observation. In today’s hy-
pacity to do far more, and the global
ways to elevate its global contributions. Colonel Dr. Divakaran Padma Kumar
per-polarised world, India is unique- community increasingly expects it. Pillay (Retd.) has seen action in several
ly positioned to convene dialogue, disturbed areas of the country. Colonel
LEADING WITH PRINCIPLED mediate disputes and build consen- CHAMPIONING A LONG-TERM Dr. Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay
HUMANITARIANISM sus where other powers may be con- VISION FOR PEACE (Retd.) has seen action in several dis-
strained. turbed areas of the country
ndia’s medical mission in Ko- This demands a bolder assertion ndia’s unwavering persistence in Views expressed are of the author and
rea set a powerful precedent for of its diplomatic weight, proactively the Korean War, despite numer-
do not necessarily reflect the views of
Ihumanitarian intervention. This proposing innovative solutions and Ious setbacks, eventually led to the the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or of the
was not about sending boots on the fostering genuine dialogue in con- armistice. This historical resilience Government of India.
ground, but about delivering vital aid. flicts that currently appear dead- underscores the absolute necessity
Today, this translates into a pressing locked. Mere words are not enough, of a long-term vision for peace—one This article first appeared in the
need for India to expand its already nor is abstaining from votes an asser- that consistently prioritises de-esca- Comments section of the website (www.
robust humanitarian aid and disaster tion of influence. India will have to lation and finding common ground idsa.in) of Manohar Parrikar Institute
relief operations. This means lever- actively demonstrate its capacity to over short-term geopolitical gains. for Defense Studies and Analyses, New
aging its significant capabilities not influence world outcomes. India must consistently advocate Delhi, on July 1, 2025

www.TheIndianEYE.com