S Jaishankar To Begin India's Campaign For UN Security Council Bid
Jaishankar highlights India's push for global representation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to launch India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term during his upcoming visit to the UN headquarters in New York. The diplomatic outreach marks the beginning of India's efforts to secure support from member countries ahead of the UN General Assembly elections in 2027, where India will compete for the Asia-Pacific regional seat.
The campaign comes as India continues to push for reforms in global institutions, including a restructuring of the UN Security Council to better reflect current geopolitical realities. Indian governments have consistently argued that the Council needs greater representation for developing nations and emerging powers. Jaishankar has repeatedly highlighted the need to modernise international organisations created after the Second World War so they can effectively address present-day challenges and conflicts.
India's bid is aimed at securing its ninth term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. New Delhi has previously served on the Council eight times, with its most recent tenure during 2021-22. During that term, India focused on issues including maritime security, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, technology cooperation and reforms of multilateral institutions, while continuing its demand for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council.
The Asia-Pacific seat is expected to see competition, with Tajikistan also emerging as a candidate and receiving support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Elections for non-permanent seats are conducted through a secret ballot in the UN General Assembly, requiring a candidate to secure a two-thirds majority among members voting. India is expected to use its diplomatic network and growing global partnerships to build support for its candidature.
India has argued that its growing role in global affairs, including its large population, major economy, contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and leadership among developing countries, justify a stronger voice in international decision-making. Several countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Russia, have supported India's push for permanent membership, although broader reforms of the Security Council have remained unresolved for years. The upcoming campaign will serve as another major diplomatic effort by New Delhi to expand its influence within the global governance system.
