India, U.S., support peacekeeping missions

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, JULY 1. The second meeting of the joint working group (JWG) on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations ended here with both the U.S. and India expressing satisfaction at the progress made since the first meeting on closer consultations on peacekeeping issues.

``India and the U.S. reaffirmed their support for the U.N. and, reflecting the extensive participation by both countries in U.N. peacekeeping operations, their intent to work together to strengthen cooperation on peacekeeping matters,''a JWG statement said.

According to the statement issued by the office of the State Department spokesperson, the JWG had constructive discussion on position papers on a range of issues with the two sides sharing experiences on functional and operational aspects of peacekeeping, including on specific missions.

The approaches to enhanced operational capabilities for peacekeeping missions were also discussed and the two sides agreed to exchange papers on lessons learned from various missions, the statement said.

The JWG also attached special importance to the development of institutional linkages between the two countries on education and training on peacekeeping issues, including the exchange of observers, students and guest faculty at their training facilities.

The delegations also decided to meet early next year and agreed to continue their interim consultations in Washington, New York and New Delhi.

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