Jaishankar Launches India's Campaign For 2028-29 UNSC Seat During UN Visit
Jaishankar launches India's UNSC bid campaign with Guterres.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to launch India's official campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term during his upcoming visit to the United States. The minister is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters as part of India's diplomatic outreach ahead of the elections. Jaishankar, who recently concluded a four-nation tour of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from July 5 to 10, is expected to arrive in the US on Saturday. During his visit, he will formally launch India's UNSC candidature campaign at a special event at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.
The campaign message for India's bid is centred around the theme "#India4UNSC 2028-29 Peace, Planet, Progress." According to the schedule released by the United Nations, Guterres is expected to meet Jaishankar at the UN headquarters on Monday afternoon. The meeting is likely to include discussions on global challenges, multilateral cooperation and India's priorities as it seeks support from UN member states for its Security Council candidature. India's campaign for the 2028-29 term comes ahead of elections scheduled for June next year.
The country will compete with Tajikistan for the single seat allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group category. If elected, India would return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member after previously serving on the council during the 2021-22 term. The UNSC, which consists of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, plays a central role in addressing issues related to international peace and security. India has repeatedly called for reforms in global governance institutions, including an expansion of the Security Council, arguing that the current structure does not adequately reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
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India's latest bid comes at a time of significant global uncertainty, with the international community facing multiple security challenges. Conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Gaza crisis and tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have increased pressure on global institutions to find diplomatic solutions and maintain stability. Beyond the UNSC campaign, Jaishankar will also participate in the third India-European Union Trade and Technology Council meeting and hold discussions with his EU and Belgian counterparts in Brussels on July 14 and 15. The engagement is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including trade, technology, strategic partnerships and economic collaboration.
India has highlighted its experience in diplomacy, peacekeeping and development partnerships as key elements of its UNSC campaign. During previous terms on the council, New Delhi focused on issues such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, reform of multilateral institutions and the concerns of developing nations. The upcoming campaign will involve extensive diplomatic engagement with UN member states as India seeks broad support for its candidature. With growing geopolitical challenges shaping international relations, the election is expected to be closely watched as countries assess the role and priorities of future members of the UN Security Council.
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