As I reflect on India’s clear stance that any troop deployment in Gaza or Ukraine must receive a UN nod, it strikes a chord that resonates deeply with long-held perspectives on international relations and the very essence of sovereignty. This isn't just about adherence to protocol; it’s about the fundamental principles of legitimacy and collective responsibility in a world constantly teetering on the edge of chaos.
For years, I have pondered the complexities of national sovereignty in an ever-interconnected world. My recent thoughts, as captured in Traditional Idea Of Sovereignty (March 2025), touched upon how the concept of sovereignty itself is being redefined by evolving global challenges, including those in cyberspace. India's defense minister, Rajnath Singh, rightly highlighted this shift, emphasizing India's transformation in approaching world challenges and the global nature of its security concerns. This current insistence on UN approval for troop movements is a natural extension of that evolving understanding – a recognition that unilateral actions can have far-reaching, destabilizing consequences that transcend traditional borders. It underscores that true security in our era demands a multilateral approach, respecting international law and collective decision-making.
When I think about the dire consequences of unresolved territorial disputes and the crucial need for international frameworks, my mind inevitably drifts to the Kashmir issue. Years ago, in my blog A 100 Years Stand-Off (September 2013), and again in One Step, Two Steps, Four Steps (July 2018), I wrote about the urgent need for India and Pakistan to consider converting the Line of Control into an international border. I argued that any attempt to re-occupy "lost" territory through armed invasion would inevitably lead to nuclear conflict, halted only by external intervention. The suggestion to rely on established, internationally recognized lines, potentially under a UN-governed territory, was a proposed solution to prevent catastrophic escalation. Seeing today how nations grapple with the deployment of forces in highly sensitive regions like Gaza and Ukraine, the principle I highlighted back then – the absolute necessity of internationally recognized mandates and boundaries – feels strikingly validated. It was about preventing a nuclear war and ensuring regional stability through structured dialogue, rather than unchecked aggression. The current global discussions, demanding a UN nod, echo that very urgency for a universally accepted framework to navigate such perilous waters.
The situations in Gaza and Ukraine are heartbreaking reminders of the fragility of peace and the human cost of conflict. India's emphasis on a UN mandate in these contexts is a powerful affirmation of multilateralism and a recognition that global challenges require global solutions, built on consensus and adherence to international law. It’s a call for structured engagement over impulsive action, a principle that I have long championed in various contexts.
The path to peace is rarely simple, but respecting the mandate of international bodies like the UN provides a crucial compass in these turbulent times, guiding us away from unchecked escalation and towards a more stable, albeit complex, global order.
Regards, Hemen Parekh
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