Enhance budget for UN peacekeepers: Naravane
Dhaka, April 11
Indan Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges.
Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on “Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers” during the “Army Chiefs Conclave” hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed.
Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry’s Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event.
The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its independence.
The Indian Army chief interacted with senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations. The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4.
An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday. — PTI
