India has officially launched its campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term.

Launching India’s candidature at the UN Headquarters in New York last night, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar unveiled India’s SHANTI vision-Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity-as the country’s guiding approach to promoting global peace, security and equitable development. He said the world is facing growing conflict and instability, making the role of the United Nations more critical than ever.

Highlighting India’s credentials, Dr. Jaishankar said India has contributed nearly three lakh personnel to about 50 UN peacekeeping missions since the organisation’s inception and currently has over 4,300 personnel serving in 10 UN peacekeeping missions. He said India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy and has sought to give voice to the concerns of the Global South.

Seeking the support of UN member states, Dr. Jaishankar said India’s presence in the Security Council would help strengthen decision-making in the vital body.

If elected, India will serve a two-year term beginning in 2028. India has previously served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, most recently in 2021-22.