In a letter, a copy of which is with The Secretariat, addressed to secretaries of different central ministries, chief secretaries of states and UTs and the chiefs of central forces and agencies, the MHA said, “The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed about the invitation received from the UN for the Training of Trainers (ToT) on addressing misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and hate speech (MDMH) in Vienna, Austria, from March 10-21, 2025."

It is also communicated to the concerned authorities that the nomination of “eligible and suitable candidates” in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and Superintendent of Police “active in service for the above said courses may be forwarded through proper channels to the MHA by February 5, 2025, along with requisite documents duly signed and completed”.

The MHA said, “No fixed slot from India is available. It is an open invitation for all member states of the UN. The candidates should have a broad experience of police service, and are selected to serve as a police officer in an international peace support operation. The recommended nominees by the government of India will be selected by the UN. The selection process considers a balance in professional and organisational backgrounds.”

It, however, put a limit on the number, saying that nominating governments and organisations should submit a maximum of three nominations for the course.

It also informed that all costs related to round-trip air tickets, accommodation and meals for the participants will be covered by the organisers. But, the responsibility of obtaining all necessary visas, both in terms of costs and administrative procedures, lies solely with the participant’s government, it added. 

“Participants must have health insurance while attending the course and the host (Austria) will provide medical support for minor ailments (first aid),” it said.

The Integrated Training Service (ITS) of the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET), Department of Peace Operations (DPO) of the UN will conduct the ToT course for the Reinforcement Training Package for the UN Military and Police Units, on addressing MDMH threats in UN Peace Operations.