New Delhi/New York: India has formally launched its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar unveiled the country’s candidature at the UN Headquarters in New York on July 13, 2026, under the thematic vision SHANTI — Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.
The SHANTI vision outlines India’s priorities for the Council term, including strengthening the voice of the Global South, advancing reformed multilateralism, promoting future-ready peacekeeping, adopting human-centric approaches to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, upholding a rules-based maritime order, and intensifying efforts to counter terror financing.
Dr. Jaishankar emphasised that the world is facing growing conflict and instability, making the role of the United Nations more critical than ever. Highlighting India’s credentials, he noted the country’s longstanding commitment to global peace and security. India has contributed over 290,000 peacekeepers to more than 50 UN peacekeeping missions since the organisation’s inception — the highest by any nation. Indian personnel continue to serve with distinction in active missions worldwide.
India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy while seeking to amplify the concerns of the Global South on international platforms.
Seeking the support of UN member states, Dr. Jaishankar said India’s presence in the Security Council would help strengthen decision-making in this vital body and bring a balanced, development-oriented perspective. India will contest the Asia-Pacific Group’s single seat against Tajikistan.
If elected, India will serve a two-year term beginning in 2028. The country has previously served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, most recently in 2021-22.