India, on Monday (July 13), officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term, with External Affairs
Minister S Jaishankar outlining New Delhi's priorities through the SHANTI — Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. Jaishankar also highlighted India's contribution towards UN peacekeeping missions, its commitment towards strengthening the voice of Global South and its effective and sustained efforts in countering terror financing. Elections for the 2028-29 term will be conducted in June next year, when India and Tajikistan will compete for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group category. The EAM, in his X post, said, "Pleased to launch India’s campaign for the @UN Security Council 2028-29. Underlined 🇮🇳’s approach rooted in SHANTI - Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity."
Jaishankar also stated that India's approach would focus on strengthening the voice of the Global South, advancing reformed multilateralism, promoting future-ready peacekeeping, ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence, safeguarding maritime security, and intensifying efforts against terror financing.
While addressing the gathering at the UN headquarters, Jaishankar emphasised that India's candidature comes at a time when the world is struggling to deal with escalating conflict and instability, making the role of the United Nations and the Security Council more critical than ever.
"It's a pleasure to join you today afternoon to launch India's candidature to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2028-29. We do so at a time when the world is facing a profound paradox... At the same time, we are witnessing levels of conflict, violence and instability that threaten even those who may be very far away," Jaishankar said.
#WATCH | New York, USA: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "...It's a pleasure to join you today afternoon, to launch India's Candidature to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2028-29. We do so at a time when the world… https://t.co/Gh9PuAg4H1 pic.twitter.com/FwchSgIZkJ
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2026
He noted that member states would naturally evaluate both India's vision for addressing global challenges and its historical track record of contributing to international peace and security.
"As a candidate, it is natural that member states would like to understand what India brings to the table. One part of that is our vision of the priorities that the world and the United Nations must address. The other is a track record which enables the international community to make its own judgment," he added.
Later in the day, the EAM met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York to discuss pressing global issues and reinforce bilateral ties.
In a post on X, Jaishankar noted that the discussions focused on key geopolitical developments and the strong framework of India-UN cooperation.
"Glad to meet Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations in New York today. Discussed global developments, including of West Asia, Ukraine and Sudan. Also recognised the strength of India - UN cooperation," he stated.
India has been at the forefront of years-long efforts for achieving reform of the Security Council, including expansion in both its permanent and non-permanent categories, saying the 15-nation Council, founded in 1945, is not fit for purpose in the 21st Century and does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Delhi has consistently underscored that it rightly deserves a permanent seat at the horseshoe table.
