India has formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the nation’s comprehensive vision, dubbed ‘SHANTI’, outlining India’s diplomatic principles and priorities should it secure the coveted position. This early declaration underscores India’s strategic intent and its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and global peace.
Background: India’s Enduring UN Engagement and UNSC Aspirations
India’s relationship with the United Nations is deeply rooted in its post-independence foreign policy, characterized by a steadfast commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the promotion of peace. As one of the founding members of the UN in 1945, India has consistently advocated for a more equitable and representative global order, often serving as a voice for the Global South.
A History of Non-Permanent Terms
India has previously served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, each tenure contributing significantly to global discourse and decision-making. These terms include 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, and most recently, 2021-22. Each period allowed India to bring its unique perspective, shaped by its democratic values, diverse society, and developmental experiences, to the forefront of international security deliberations.
During its 2021-22 term, India focused on several critical areas, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, UN peacekeeping reforms, and promoting technological solutions for global challenges. India successfully chaired the Counter-Terrorism Committee in 2022, demonstrating its resolve to combat this transnational threat. It also championed initiatives for stronger global collaboration on vaccine equity and climate action, reflecting its broader foreign policy objectives.
The Imperative of UNSC Reform
Central to India’s long-standing UN agenda is the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the Security Council. The current structure, largely a relic of post-World War II geopolitics, does not accurately reflect the contemporary global landscape. With only five permanent members (P5) holding veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, the Council often faces criticism for its lack of representativeness, particularly concerning major emerging powers and entire continents.
India, along with Brazil, Germany, and Japan, forms the G4 group, actively campaigning for the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of the UNSC. India argues that its status as the world’s most populous democracy, a major economic power, and a consistent contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, alongside its commitment to international peace and security, makes it a legitimate candidate for a permanent seat. The lack of African and Latin American permanent representation further highlights the systemic imbalances that India seeks to address through reform.
The intergovernmental negotiations (IGN) process within the UN General Assembly has been ongoing for years, yet substantive progress on UNSC reform remains elusive. Despite widespread recognition of the need for reform, disagreements among member states, particularly concerning the veto power and the size of an expanded Council, have stalled meaningful advancements. India’s repeated non-permanent tenures are seen not just as opportunities to contribute, but also as platforms to underscore the necessity of a modernized, more inclusive Security Council.
India’s Contributions to Global Peace and Security
Beyond its direct involvement in the UNSC, India has been a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions since their inception. With over 275,000 Indian peacekeepers having served in more than 50 UN missions worldwide, India is consistently among the largest troop-contributing countries. Indian peacekeepers have been deployed in some of the most challenging environments, often praised for their professionalism, discipline, and humanitarian approach. This extensive track record solidifies India’s credentials as a responsible global actor committed to maintaining international peace and security.
Furthermore, India has actively participated in various UN bodies and initiatives, ranging from human rights to environmental protection and sustainable development. Its leadership in areas such as renewable energy (e.g., the International Solar Alliance), disaster risk reduction (e.g., Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), and digital public infrastructure showcases its capacity to offer innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. These multifaceted contributions form the bedrock of India’s diplomatic stature and its bid for enhanced roles within the UN system.
Key Developments: The ‘SHANTI’ Vision and Early Campaign Launch
The formal launch of India’s campaign for the 2028-29 term, significantly ahead of the customary timeline, signals a proactive and strategic approach. This early declaration allows India ample time for diplomatic outreach, coalition building, and the articulation of its vision to member states. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s unveiling of the ‘SHANTI’ vision serves as the centerpiece of this campaign, encapsulating India’s proposed framework for global engagement.
Unveiling the ‘SHANTI’ Vision
The acronym ‘SHANTI’ translates to “peace” in Sanskrit, reflecting India’s core civilizational ethos and its commitment to fostering a peaceful global environment. Each letter of the acronym represents a fundamental pillar of India’s foreign policy and its intended contribution to the Security Council:
S – Samman (Respect)
The 'Samman' pillar emphasizes respect for sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter. India advocates for a rules-based international order where the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes are universally upheld. This pillar underscores India's belief that a stable global order relies on adherence to agreed-upon norms and legal frameworks, rather than unilateral actions or power politics. India's own foreign policy has consistently championed these principles, often speaking out against violations of international law and advocating for dialogue over confrontation.
This commitment extends to ensuring that the voices of all nations, particularly smaller and developing states, are heard and respected within multilateral forums. India’s historical stance as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) further reinforces its dedication to a world order built on mutual respect and cooperation among diverse nations, irrespective of their size or economic might. In the UNSC, this would translate into advocating for inclusive decision-making processes and ensuring that resolutions are crafted with a deep understanding of their impact on all member states.
H – Hypertlinks (Connectivity)
'Hypertlinks' refers to enhanced connectivity for global well-being, encompassing digital transformation, robust supply chains, and people-to-people exchanges. India recognizes that in an increasingly interconnected world, shared prosperity and security depend on seamless physical and digital linkages. India's initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chabahar Port project, and its active participation in regional connectivity frameworks demonstrate its commitment to improving global trade and logistical networks.
Moreover, India has emerged as a global leader in digital public infrastructure, exemplified by its Aadhaar, UPI, and CoWIN platforms. India seeks to share these models and expertise with other developing nations to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth. This pillar also encompasses cultural and educational exchanges, promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse societies, recognizing that such soft power links are crucial for building trust and preventing conflict in the long run. In the UNSC, India would advocate for policies that leverage connectivity for humanitarian aid, disaster response, and economic development, ensuring that globalization benefits all.
A – Aman (Peace)
'Aman' signifies India's unwavering pursuit of peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. This pillar reflects India's long-standing policy of strategic autonomy and its preference for peaceful means to address international disputes. India advocates for robust diplomatic engagement, mediation, and the use of preventive diplomacy to avert conflicts before they escalate. Its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations are a direct manifestation of this commitment, providing stability in conflict zones and assisting in post-conflict reconstruction.
India’s approach emphasizes that sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and lack of governance. In the UNSC, India would champion initiatives that promote inclusive political processes, protect civilians, and support the role of regional organizations in maintaining peace and security. It would also advocate for responsible disarmament and non-proliferation, reinforcing the global framework for nuclear and conventional arms control, recognizing these as fundamental to long-term global stability.
N – Nishta (Commitment)
'Nishta' represents India's steadfast commitment to multilateralism, a fair rules-based international order, and global cooperation. India firmly believes that complex global challenges—such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and economic crises—cannot be tackled effectively by individual nations acting alone. A revitalized and reformed multilateral system, with the UN at its core, is essential for collective action and shared solutions.
This pillar also underscores India's dedication to upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, even as it advocates for its modernization. India's active participation in various multilateral forums, including the G20, BRICS, SCO, and Quad, demonstrates its belief in diverse platforms for cooperation. In the UNSC, India would work to strengthen the Council's legitimacy and effectiveness, ensuring that its decisions are grounded in international law and enjoy broad support from the international community. This commitment also extends to promoting transparency and accountability within the UN system.
T – Takniki Pragati (Technological Advancement)
'Takniki Pragati' highlights India's focus on leveraging technological advancement for sustainable development, climate action, and addressing global challenges. India recognizes technology as a powerful enabler for progress, capable of transforming economies, improving lives, and providing solutions to environmental crises. India's own journey of technological innovation, from space exploration to IT services and renewable energy, positions it as a credible partner in this domain.
This pillar encompasses promoting digital literacy, fostering innovation ecosystems, and ensuring equitable access to critical technologies, particularly for developing nations. In the context of climate action, India advocates for technology transfer and financial support to help developing countries transition to greener economies. It also emphasizes the responsible governance of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, to prevent their misuse and ensure their benefits are widely shared. In the UNSC, India would push for discussions on the impact of emerging technologies on peace and security, including cyber warfare and the weaponization of AI, advocating for international norms and safeguards.
Strategic Significance of an Early Launch
Launching the campaign for the 2028-29 term so far in advance offers several strategic advantages. Firstly, it allows India to engage in extensive diplomatic groundwork, reaching out to a vast number of UN member states over an extended period. This early engagement facilitates deeper bilateral discussions, enabling India to understand the priorities and concerns of potential voters and tailor its campaign message accordingly.
Secondly, an early start provides a clear articulation of India’s long-term vision and commitment to the UN system. It demonstrates India’s seriousness about its role on the global stage and its proactive approach to international diplomacy. This can help build consensus and secure endorsements from regional groups and individual nations well before the actual election, which typically takes place in June 2027.
Thirdly, it allows India to align its current foreign policy initiatives and multilateral engagements with the ‘SHANTI’ vision, showcasing concrete examples of its principles in action. This continuous demonstration of its capabilities and values can significantly bolster its credibility as a responsible and effective Security Council member.
India’s Candidacy and Regional Dynamics
The election for non-permanent seats on the UNSC follows a system of regional rotation. The Asia-Pacific Group, to which India belongs, typically has two seats. While India often enjoys strong support within this group, securing an uncontested slot requires diligent diplomatic efforts to ensure no other country from the region files a competing candidacy for the same term. India’s proactive engagement aims to garner early and widespread support, ideally leading to an uncontested endorsement from the Asia-Pacific Group, as was the case for its 2021-22 term.
Beyond regional support, India will need to secure a two-thirds majority of votes from the UN General Assembly members present and voting. This necessitates a global campaign, engaging countries from all regional blocs – African, Latin American and Caribbean, Eastern European, and Western European and Others. India’s strong ties with the Global South, its growing economic partnerships, and its contributions to various international forums will be crucial assets in this endeavor.
Impact: A Multifaceted Influence on Global Affairs
India’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2028-29, guided by its ‘SHANTI’ vision, would have far-reaching implications for various stakeholders and the broader international system.
For the Global South
India has historically positioned itself as a leading voice for the Global South, advocating for the interests and concerns of developing nations. A seat on the UNSC would amplify this voice, ensuring that issues pertinent to these countries—such as climate justice, equitable economic development, food security, energy access, and technology transfer—receive due attention in the Council’s agenda. India’s ‘SHANTI’ vision, with its emphasis on respect, connectivity, and technological advancement for all, directly aligns with the aspirations of the Global South for a more inclusive and just international order.
India would likely champion reforms that address the structural inequalities within the global financial and trading systems, advocating for greater representation and fairness. Its own developmental journey, including poverty alleviation, digital inclusion, and large-scale infrastructure projects, provides a credible model and a basis for solidarity with other developing economies. This would make India an indispensable advocate for a balanced global agenda that does not exclusively focus on traditional security concerns but also integrates human security and developmental imperatives.
On International Relations and Geopolitics
India’s presence on the UNSC would further solidify its growing influence on the global stage. As the world’s fifth-largest economy and a rising geopolitical power, India’s perspective is increasingly vital in addressing complex international challenges. Its strategic autonomy, characterized by a pragmatic and non-aligned approach to foreign policy, allows it to engage constructively with diverse blocs and bridge divides, potentially fostering consensus on contentious issues within the Council.
A more active role for India in the UNSC could contribute to a more multipolar and balanced international system, challenging unipolar or bipolar tendencies. It would provide a crucial platform for India to articulate its positions on regional conflicts, counter-terrorism strategies, and the governance of emerging technologies, shaping global norms and policies. This enhanced presence would also reflect the shifting global power dynamics, where emerging economies demand a greater say in international decision-making processes that directly affect their populations and futures.
For the United Nations System
India’s consistent advocacy for UNSC reform would gain renewed momentum from its presence on the Council. Its ‘Nishta’ pillar, emphasizing commitment to multilateralism and a fair rules-based order, would translate into persistent efforts to improve the UN’s effectiveness and legitimacy. India would likely push for greater transparency in the Council’s working methods, more inclusive consultations, and a stronger linkage between the Council and other UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly.
Furthermore, India’s focus on innovative solutions through ‘Takniki Pragati’ could inspire new approaches to UN peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development initiatives. Its emphasis on digital transformation, for instance, could lead to better data management, improved logistics, and enhanced connectivity for UN operations worldwide. By bringing its unique blend of democratic values, developmental experience, and technological prowess, India has the potential to inject fresh perspectives into the UN’s ongoing efforts to adapt to 21st-century challenges.
On India’s Domestic Policy and National Prestige
Securing a UNSC seat is a significant boost to India’s national prestige and diplomatic confidence. It reflects international recognition of India’s growing stature and its capacity to contribute meaningfully to global governance. Domestically, this achievement reinforces the government’s foreign policy objectives and can inspire greater public engagement with international affairs.
Moreover, India’s ‘SHANTI’ vision is deeply intertwined with its domestic priorities. For example, ‘Hypertlinks’ aligns with India’s massive infrastructure development programs and its digital India initiatives. ‘Takniki Pragati’ mirrors its focus on scientific research, innovation, and sustainable development goals within the country. This synergy ensures that India’s foreign policy is not merely outward-looking but also serves to reinforce and accelerate its internal developmental agenda, creating a virtuous cycle of national progress and global contribution.
What Next: Milestones and Future Engagements
The launch of India’s UNSC campaign for 2028-29 marks the beginning of a multi-year diplomatic endeavor. The path to securing the seat will involve sustained effort, strategic engagements, and a continuous demonstration of India’s commitment to its ‘SHANTI’ vision.
Sustained Diplomatic Outreach
Over the next few years, India’s diplomatic missions worldwide will intensify their outreach to UN member states. This will involve high-level bilateral meetings, ministerial visits, and engagement with various regional and thematic groups within the UN. Indian diplomats will articulate the ‘SHANTI’ vision in detail, explaining how each pillar translates into concrete actions and contributions to the Security Council’s mandate. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating India’s track record as a responsible global actor and a reliable partner.
Key areas of focus for these engagements will include demonstrating India’s leadership in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. India will highlight its role in promoting sustainable development, digital inclusion, and humanitarian assistance. These efforts aim to build broad-based support, ensuring that India’s candidacy resonates with the diverse interests and priorities of the international community.
The Election Process
The actual election for the non-permanent seats of the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term will take place in the UN General Assembly in June 2027. To secure a seat, India will need to garner a two-thirds majority of votes from the member states present and voting, which translates to at least 129 votes if all 193 member states are present. While the Asia-Pacific Group typically endorses a single candidate for its allocated seats, securing the requisite votes from the broader UN membership is a rigorous process that requires continuous lobbying and relationship building until the very day of the election.
The early launch of the campaign provides a significant advantage in this regard, allowing India to cultivate relationships and secure commitments over an extended period, mitigating the risks of last-minute challenges or unexpected competition. India’s strong bilateral ties with numerous countries across different continents will be instrumental in consolidating these votes.
Continued Push for UNSC Reform
Alongside its campaign for a non-permanent seat, India will maintain its relentless pursuit of comprehensive UNSC reform. This includes advocating for an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories, a more equitable geographical representation, and a review of the veto power. India will continue to collaborate with the G4 nations and other like-minded countries to keep the issue of reform alive within the UN General Assembly’s intergovernmental negotiations (IGN) framework.
India’s argument for a permanent seat is intrinsically linked to its broader vision for a more democratic and effective UN. Its repeated stints as a non-permanent member serve to highlight the inadequacy of the current structure and reinforce the imperative for change. The 2028-29 term, if secured, would provide yet another platform to advocate for a Security Council that truly reflects 21st-century realities and can effectively address contemporary global threats and challenges.
Anticipated Priorities During the 2028-29 Term (If Successful)
Should India secure the 2028-29 term, its ‘SHANTI’ vision will serve as the guiding framework for its actions within the Security Council. Specific priorities are expected to include:
- Counter-Terrorism: Continued leadership in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, advocating for stronger international cooperation, and pushing for comprehensive conventions on international terrorism.
- Maritime Security: Promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, addressing piracy, ensuring freedom of navigation, and tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Climate Action and Environmental Security: Highlighting the security implications of climate change, advocating for climate justice, and promoting sustainable development pathways.
- Technology and Security: Addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, including cybersecurity, AI governance, and the prevention of the weaponization of new technologies.
- UN Peacekeeping Reforms: Advocating for enhanced safety and security for peacekeepers, improving mission mandates, and integrating technology for better operational effectiveness.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: Strengthening international mechanisms for rapid response to humanitarian crises and natural disasters, leveraging India’s own capabilities and experience.
- Voice of the Global South: Ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of developing countries are central to the Council’s deliberations, particularly on issues of peace, security, and development.
India’s early campaign launch and the unveiling of its ‘SHANTI’ vision signify a clear and ambitious diplomatic strategy. It reflects India’s growing confidence, its commitment to multilateralism, and its determination to play a pivotal role in shaping a more peaceful, prosperous, and equitable global future through the United Nations Security Council.