Indian Army Major Abhilasha Barak has emphasized on diplomatic efforts to restore peace and reconstruction in Lebanon. He said that it is very important to continue the process of dialogue and ceasefire to establish lasting peace in war-affected countries.
World News: Major Abhilasha Barak, an Indian Army officer posted in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, has described diplomacy, dialogue and ceasefire as the most important to establish lasting peace in Lebanon. He said that only a political solution and humanitarian reconstruction, not military action, can lead a conflict-torn country to lasting stability.
Major Barak has recently been awarded the prestigious ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year’ award for the year 2025 by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Emphasis on diplomacy for peace in Lebanon
Major Abhilasha Barak, deployed under the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon, said that it is very important for the ceasefire to continue, so that the peace process can be taken forward. In a press conference he said that lasting peace is possible only if diplomatic efforts continue. The lines of communication should remain open and the ceasefire should be respected. He stressed that the biggest challenge after the conflict ends is not just the reconstruction of structures, but the mental and social rehabilitation of the people.
Big challenge of reconstruction after war
According to Major Barak, reconstruction in any war-affected country is not limited to just roads, houses and infrastructure. He said that people affected by war take time to recover from mental trauma. It is important to re-establish trust in communities. Re-strengthening social unity is an important part of the peace process. According to him, if these aspects are not taken into account then it becomes difficult to achieve lasting peace.
Major Abhilasha Barak is currently serving as the Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point with the Indian Battalion under UNIFIL in Lebanon. The UNIFIL mission is considered one of the most challenging UN peacekeeping missions deployed to southern Lebanon, where regional tensions and conflict persist.
Special focus on women empowerment
Major Baraka said that a key objective of their work is to establish strong relationships with local communities, especially women and adolescent girls. He said that in many areas women were not comfortable communicating with male peacekeepers, so special initiatives were taken for them. Programs he has run include:
- Vocational Training and Skill Development
- Education and health awareness campaign
- Physical Fitness and Mental Health Programs
- cultural exchange activities
- Community Dialogue and Confidence Building Initiative
The aim of these efforts is to make women self-reliant and give them a stronger role in the society. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Major Abhilasha Barak, calling her an outstanding example of frontline leadership and humanitarian work. The UN recognizes her work as bringing positive change to the lives of women and girls through education, health and training.
Major Abhilasha Barak is the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. He has also served as an air traffic controller. Her achievement is considered a symbol of the growing role of women in the Indian Armed Forces.
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