‘Global South Must Have Greater Role’: Jaishankar Launches India’s UNSC Bid With 6-Point Agenda

Last Updated:July 14, 2026, 01:58 IST

Jaishankar said India would prioritise strengthening the role of the Global South and ensuring its concerns are reflected in discussions on international peace and security.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launches India’s UNSC campaign at the UN headquarters.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday launched India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term, highlighting the country’s focus on giving the Global South a stronger voice in global decision-making.

At a special event at the UN headquarters, Jaishankar unveiled India’s campaign titled ‘Shanti: India for the United Nations Security Council 2028-29. Norms, Trust, Integrity’, in the presence of diplomats, UN representatives and officials.

India said the SHANTI framework — Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity — would guide its approach during the campaign. The country last served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during the 2021-22 term.

India Outlines UNSC Vision

Sharing details of the campaign, Jaishankar said India would prioritise strengthening the role of the Global South and ensuring its concerns are reflected in discussions on international peace and security.

“The Global South must play a greater role in determining our common future,” Jaishankar said, stressing the need for a more representative and effective multilateral system.

India’s six-point agenda includes reforms to multilateral institutions, future-ready peacekeeping efforts, responsible use of artificial intelligence, maintaining an open and rules-based maritime order, and stronger action against terror financing.

Jaishankar said India would support peacekeeping reforms through better technology, realistic mandates and greater focus on protecting the role of women peacekeepers under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

On emerging technologies, India called for a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence focused on inclusivity, security and public benefit, while also addressing risks linked to its misuse.

UNSC Race Comes Amid Global Crises

Elections for the 2028-29 non-permanent UNSC seat are scheduled for June next year, with India competing against Tajikistan for the sole seat allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group.

The election comes at a time of major geopolitical uncertainty, with the international community facing conflicts including the Ukraine war, the Gaza crisis and rising tensions involving the US and Iran.

During his visit to New York, Jaishankar was also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He had earlier visited Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from July 5-10 before travelling to the UN headquarters.

Following his UN engagements, Jaishankar is expected to travel to Brussels for the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting and talks with European and Belgian counterparts on July 14-15.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More

Read More