India donates five peacocks to UN office in Geneva
India has donated five peacocks to the United Nations Office in Geneva to honor a long-standing tradition of environmental stewardship. The birds will be housed in the historic Ariana Park under the care of local zoo experts.
Why it matters
This gesture serves as a soft-power diplomatic tool, reinforcing India's commitment to international cooperation and biodiversity conservation.
India has donated five peacocks, including a rare white-feathered one, to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), reviving a decades-old tradition.
At a special ceremony held on Friday (August 7, 2026), India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, formally handed over the five peacocks to UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya, highlighting the country's rich natural heritage and commitment to multilateralism.
The five young peacocks comprise four blue peafowl and one white-feathered male, reflecting the blue and white colours associated with the United Nations.
The donation marks the second time India has presented peacocks to UNOG. In 1981, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent a breeding pair from the Delhi Zoo.
"The Indian Peacock, a symbol of grace, beauty and resilience, represents India's enduring commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and environmental stewardship," the Indian mission said.
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