India Eyes 2028-29 UNSC Seat, Jaishankar Calls for Equitable Global Order

India on Monday officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiling the initiative, 'SHANTI: India for the United Nations Security Council 2028-29 – Norms, Trust, Integrity,' at a special event at the UN Headquarters attended by UN envoys, diplomats and senior officials.

Launching the campaign, Jaishankar said India's approach to the United Nations is rooted in 'SHANTI' (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, Integrity) and reflects its diplomatic objective of building a secure, peaceful and equitable world . He said India would champion effective multilateralism , stronger UN peacekeeping, maritime security, responsible use of technology, counter-terrorism, climate justice, clean energy and sustainable development, while ensuring the voice of the Global South is heard in equal measure .

India will contest Tajikistan for the Asia-Pacific Group's lone non-permanent UNSC seat in elections scheduled for June 2027 . If elected, it will serve on the Council during 2028-29 , marking its ninth tenure as a non-permanent member after its most recent term in 2021-22 .

The campaign comes amid major geopolitical challenges, including the Ukraine war, the Gaza conflict and tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran . During his visit, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres before travelling to Brussels for the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting.

India has renewed its long-standing call for comprehensive UN Security Council reforms , arguing that the 15-member body , established in 1945, no longer reflects current geopolitical realities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said developing countries deserve greater participation in global governance and that reforms to the Security Council can no longer be delayed.

By launching its UNSC campaign with a strong focus on the Global South , India aims to strengthen its diplomatic influence, advocate for more inclusive global governance and reinforce its long-standing aspiration for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council .