New Delhi : India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar outlining India’s vision for a more inclusive, representative and effective global security framework.
Introducing India’s campaign, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the country’s approach based on “SHANTI – Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.”
He said India’s engagement at the UN Security Council would focus on strengthening global cooperation, promoting dialogue, ensuring greater representation for developing nations and addressing emerging challenges facing international peace and security.
Strengthening the Voice of the Global South
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that one of India’s key priorities would be to amplify the voice of the Global South and ensure that its concerns are adequately reflected in discussions on international peace and security.
He said countries of the Global South must have a greater role in shaping decisions that impact the collective future of the world.
Advancing Reformed Multilateralism
Highlighting the need for reforms in global institutions, the External Affairs Minister said India would work towards strengthening reformed multilateralism by making international bodies more:
- Democratic,
- Representative, and
- Effective.
He stated that India’s approach would be guided by dialogue, cooperation and efforts to bridge differences among nations to find common solutions to global challenges.
Building Future-Ready Peacekeeping Operations
Dr. Jaishankar said India would support the development of a future-ready UN peacekeeping system that is better equipped, technologically advanced, realistically mandated and focused on achieving core objectives.
He reiterated India’s commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, adding that the country would continue to promote and support the increasing role of women peacekeepers in international missions.
Promoting Responsible and Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence
Addressing the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Jaishankar said India supports a human-centric approach to AI based on:
- Inclusivity,
- Security, and
- Public welfare.
He added that India would remain committed to addressing the misuse of AI and countering potential threats posed by emerging technologies to international peace and security.
Ensuring a Free and Rules-Based Maritime Order
India also highlighted maritime security as a key priority under its UNSC vision.
Dr. Jaishankar said India would work towards promoting a free, open and rules-based maritime order in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
India’s maritime priorities will include:
- Ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime commerce,
- Combating piracy,
- Protecting the safety of seafarers, and
- Strengthening Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Strong Action Against Terror Financing
Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to combating terrorism and emphasized the need for effective and sustained efforts against terror financing networks.
He called for a transparent and credible sanctions mechanism at the international level, based on objective, evidence-based proposals for listing terrorist organisations.
India Calls for Greater Global South Representation at UNSC
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Jaishankar stressed that a reformed, representative and results-driven United Nations Security Council must include a stronger voice of the Global South.
India’s campaign for the UNSC 2028-29 term reflects its commitment to building a global order based on peace, cooperation, trust, integrity and inclusive decision-making.
