India will place a strong emphasis on promoting a free, open and rules-based maritime order, ensuring the safety and welfare of seafarers, and strengthening global efforts to combat terror financing as part of its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said while launching the country’s campaign at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Addressing diplomats and representatives of UN member states, Jaishankar outlined India’s priorities for its UNSC candidature, stating that the country would continue to advocate for secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation and adherence to international law. He stressed that maritime security has become increasingly significant in view of evolving geopolitical challenges and its direct impact on global trade, supply chains and economic stability.
The External Affairs Minister said India would also intensify efforts to counter terrorism and disrupt terror financing while supporting reforms aimed at making multilateral institutions more representative and effective. He reiterated India’s longstanding commitment to amplifying the concerns of the Global South, promoting equitable global development and strengthening international cooperation to address emerging security challenges.
Highlighting India’s vision for global peace and security, Jaishankar presented the country’s “SHANTI” framework, which focuses on Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. The framework underscores India’s commitment to a rules-based international order, responsible use of emerging technologies, future-ready peacekeeping, sustainable development and collaborative multilateral action to address global crises.
India is seeking election as a non-permanent member of the 15-member UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term. If elected, the country intends to champion issues including maritime security, the protection of seafarers, counter-terrorism, responsible governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and reforms of global institutions to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
