New York: India has formally launched its campaign for election as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2028 to 2029 term, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiling a new diplomatic vision called SHANTI. The campaign was launched at the United Nations headquarters in New York and is expected to guide India's outreach to member nations over the next two years as it seeks broad international support for its candidacy.
Addressing diplomats and representatives from UN member states, Jaishankar said India is ready to take on greater responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security. He said the country has consistently worked for global stability, supported developing nations, and contributed to peacekeeping efforts across the world. He added that the SHANTI vision reflects India's commitment to a more peaceful, secure and inclusive international order.
The SHANTI framework outlines India's key priorities if it is elected to the Security Council. According to Jaishankar, it focuses on strengthening multilateral institutions, improving the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping missions, encouraging the responsible use of artificial intelligence, enhancing maritime security, adopting a zero tolerance approach towards terrorism, and preventing the financing of terrorist organisations. He said these issues have become increasingly important as the world faces growing conflicts, technological changes and new security threats.
India has long argued that the United Nations Security Council must become more representative of today's global realities. Speaking during the launch, Jaishankar once again called for reforms to the Council, saying that international institutions created after the Second World War must evolve to reflect the changing balance of global power. He said developing countries deserve a stronger voice in decision making and that a reformed Security Council would be more effective in dealing with modern challenges.
The campaign also highlights India's long record of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions. India has deployed more than 250,000 peacekeepers in UN operations over the decades, making it one of the largest contributors in the organisation's history. Indian peacekeepers have served in conflict zones across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, earning recognition for their professionalism and humanitarian work.
Apart from peacekeeping, India is also expected to emphasise its development partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific. Through infrastructure projects, capacity building programmes, digital technology initiatives and humanitarian assistance, India has strengthened its ties with many developing nations. Officials believe these partnerships will play an important role in gathering support during the Security Council election.
The United Nations Security Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto powers and ten non permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two year terms. To win a seat, a candidate must secure the support of at least two thirds of member states participating in the vote.
India has previously served eight times as a non permanent member of the Security Council, most recently during the 2021 to 2022 term. During that tenure, India focused on counter terrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping reforms and greater representation for developing countries. The government now hopes to build on that experience as it seeks another term beginning in January 2028.
India's campaign comes at a time when calls for reform of the United Nations have grown louder because of ongoing wars, geopolitical tensions and divisions among major powers. Countries such as Brazil, Germany, Japan and India, known collectively as the G4, continue to push for expansion of both permanent and non permanent membership of the Security Council to make it more representative and effective.
Diplomatic outreach for the election is expected to continue over the coming months, with Indian officials engaging countries across different regions to secure support. While the immediate goal is election to the 2028 to 2029 non permanent seat, India has also reaffirmed its long standing ambition of becoming a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council, arguing that its growing global role, large population and economic strength make it well placed to contribute to international peace and security.