India Unveils UNSC 2028-29 Campaign, Prioritises Maritime Security and Countering Terror Financing

India has 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 outlining a broad agenda focused on maritime security, countering terror financing, artificial intelligence, peacekeeping reforms and representing the Global South.

Speaking at the United Nations headquarters, Jaishankar said India's approach would be guided by "SHANTI: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity."

India outlines priorities for UNSC campaign

Presenting India's vision for its prospective UNSC term, Jaishankar highlighted six key priorities:

• Representing the Global South
• Advancing reformed multilateralism
• Future-ready UN peacekeeping
• Addressing threats arising from misuse of artificial intelligence
• Securing maritime commons
• Countering terror financing

According to Jaishankar, India aims to strengthen international cooperation while promoting peace, stability and rules-based global governance.

Maritime security takes centre stage

Maritime security emerged as one of India's major priorities amid growing instability in key global shipping routes.

Jaishankar stressed the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime commerce by upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He also called for greater international cooperation to tackle piracy and safeguard critical sea lanes.

Highlighting India's operational role, the External Affairs Minister said Indian naval forces continue to protect maritime routes across:

• Arabian Sea
• Gulf of Aden
• Malacca Strait
• Gulf of Guinea
• Indo-Pacific region

He also underlined concerns over the safety of seafarers amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf region.

India to push action against terror financing

Jaishankar said India will continue advocating stronger international efforts to disrupt the financial networks supporting terrorism.

He stressed that addressing only the consequences of terrorism is insufficient without cutting off its funding sources.

India also plans to support evidence-based proposals for listing terrorist organisations within the UN framework.

AI governance and peacekeeping also on agenda

The External Affairs Minister said India would promote a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence while working to bridge the global digital divide.

On peacekeeping, Jaishankar noted that India currently has more than 4,300 personnel deployed across 10 active UN peacekeeping missions, making it one of the world's leading contributors.

He added that India's extensive operational experience would help shape future-ready peacekeeping reforms.

Election next year

India is contesting the Asia-Pacific Group's sole non-permanent UNSC seat for the 2028-29 term, with elections scheduled for June next year.

The country will compete against Tajikistan for the position.

India most recently served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council during 2021-22 and has previously held the seat seven times.

Key Highlights

• India launched its campaign for the 2028-29 UN Security Council seat.
• S. Jaishankar unveiled the campaign under the theme "SHANTI."
• Maritime security and terror financing are among India's top priorities.
• India also plans to focus on AI governance and UN peacekeeping reforms.
• Jaishankar stressed protecting global shipping routes and seafarers.
• Elections for the UNSC seat will be held in June next year.
• India is competing with Tajikistan for the Asia-Pacific Group seat.

FAQs

Why is India contesting the UN Security Council seat?

India is seeking election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term to contribute to global peace, security and multilateral cooperation.

What are India's priorities for the UNSC campaign?

India's priorities include maritime security, countering terror financing, AI governance, UN peacekeeping reforms, multilateralism and representing the Global South.

What is SHANTI?

SHANTI stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity, the guiding theme of India's UNSC campaign.

Who is India competing against?

India is contesting the Asia-Pacific Group's sole non-permanent Security Council seat against Tajikistan.

When will the UNSC election take place?

The election for the 2028-29 non-permanent seat is scheduled for June next year.