India Launches UNSC Election Bid With 6-Point Manifesto

India has formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2028-2029. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the bid with a six-point manifesto centered on 'Shanti', which stands for 'Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity'.

The launch took place at the United Nations, where Jaishankar addressed delegates and diplomats from around the world. He emphasized that India would be the voice of the Global South at the Council and highlighted the country's record of helping developing nations, participating in peacekeeping, and working to make the organization capable of dealing with contemporary challenges.

India will contest the election to the General Assembly for the Asia-Pacific non-permanent seat on the Council, with a term beginning in 2028. This will be India's ninth term as an elected member of the UNSC. During its previous term in 2021-2022, India focused on counter-terrorism efforts and will continue to do so in its upcoming term.

New Delhi is pursuing a parallel path to the Council, seeking both a permanent seat and an elected seat to make its voice heard. Currently, only Tajikistan has announced its candidature for the Asia Pacific seat, which will be vacated by Bahrain at the end of next year.

To win the election, India will need to secure two-thirds of the votes in the 193-member Assembly. In its last election, India received 184 votes, with 8 cast as spoiler votes. The Asia Pacific Group, which covers a wide swath of the world, will play a crucial role in the election.

The highlight of India's last term on the UNSC was convening a Council meeting in India during its rotating presidency in October 2021. The meeting focused on countering terrorists' use of emerging technologies and honored the victims of the 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai.

India's bid for the 2028-29 term is an attempt to shorten the long gaps between its terms on the UNSC. The country has served eight terms as an elected member and is seeking to increase its presence on the Council.

The election for the non-permanent seat on the UNSC will take place next year, and India will face competition from other countries in the Asia Pacific region. However, with its strong record of contributing to global peace and security, India is well-positioned to secure a seat on the Council.

The outcome of the election will have significant implications for India's role in global affairs and its ability to shape the international agenda. As a member of the UNSC, India will have the opportunity to contribute to decision-making on key global issues, including counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and sustainable development.

In conclusion, India's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC is a significant development in the country's foreign policy. With its strong record of contributing to global peace and security, India is well-positioned to secure a seat on the Council and play a more prominent role in shaping the international agenda.