India re-elected to various subsidiary bodies at UN Economic and Social Council

India has been elected unopposed to several subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six principal organs of the United Nations responsible for coordinating global economic, social and development policy.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN said the elections were held on Wednesday and the country secured the positions by acclamation , meaning the decisions were unanimous and uncontested.

India will serve on the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the 2027–2030 term , the UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations for 2027–2030 , and the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination for the 2027–2029 period .

In addition, India’s Ambassador Preeti Saran has been re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for the 2027–2030 term in her personal capacity. Saran, a former Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, had also chaired a session of the committee last year.

These bodies function with multi-member rotating memberships , meaning countries are elected to fill seats whose terms expire rather than replacing a single previous member. In some cases, including the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations, India has effectively retained its seat for another term .

The Commission on Science and Technology for Development serves as an intergovernmental forum where countries discuss global issues related to science, technology and innovation and their role in development. Meanwhile, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations evaluates applications from civil society groups seeking consultative status with the UN, while the Committee for Programme and Coordination reviews and coordinates the organisation’s programmes.

India’s election to these bodies highlights its growing global role in development and governance discussions , with participation across platforms dealing with science policy, civil society engagement and UN programme coordination .

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights comprises 18 independent experts who monitor the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by state parties. The treaty protects rights including adequate food, housing, education, health, social security, water, sanitation and the right to work .