India's Bold Bid for UN Security Council: What to Expect from Jaishankar's Campaign?

India's Aspirations at the UN Security Council

United Nations: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has asserted that India will prioritize critical issues like a free and rule-based maritime order, the safety of seafarers, and the fight against terror financing during its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2028-29.

Jaishankar made these statements while officially launching India's campaign at the UN headquarters, an event attended by various UN ambassadors and officials.

India has previously served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on eight occasions, with its most recent term ending in 2022.

His remarks come in light of recent attacks on commercial vessels in West Asia, which have resulted in casualties among Indian seafarers.

Jaishankar highlighted that India is entering this campaign during a time of significant global contradictions.

While humanity has unprecedented capabilities to enhance welfare, conflicts and instability are also on the rise, affecting even distant nations.

To navigate these complexities, he emphasized the need for the UN to take a leadership role, making the elections for UNSC membership particularly significant.

He elaborated on India's approach to the UN, encapsulated in the concept of 'SHANTI'—Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity—while outlining New Delhi's priorities for its UNSC term.

Key priorities include amplifying the voice of the Global South, promoting reformed multilateralism, ensuring future-ready peacekeeping, addressing AI misuse, securing maritime commons, and combating terror financing.

Jaishankar noted that as global supply chains become increasingly interconnected, securing maritime routes is vital.

He stressed the importance of adhering to international laws, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to maintain safe maritime commerce.

The safety of seafarers is a pressing concern, especially given recent developments in the Gulf region.

India has been proactive in search and rescue missions, humanitarian aid, and capacity building, and aims to ensure these issues receive adequate attention in the Security Council.

Jaishankar pointed out that India contributes significantly to maritime security through anti-piracy, counter-narcotics, and anti-trafficking operations, protecting vital sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific.

This focus on maritime security is particularly relevant amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global fuel prices and supply chains.

Approximately one-fifth of the world's energy supplies transit through this strait during peacetime.

Another critical focus for India's UNSC campaign will be the fight against terror financing, which remains a persistent global challenge.

Jaishankar remarked that while efforts have historically targeted the symptoms of terrorism, a more effective approach must focus on cutting off its financial resources.

The elections for the 2028-29 UNSC term are set for June next year, where India will compete with Tajikistan for the Asia-Pacific Group seat.

India's last term on the UNSC was from 2021-22, marking its eighth tenure in this influential 15-member body.

A special video presentation showcased India's growing global role and its priorities for the UNSC campaign.

The video emphasized India's commitment to peace, showcasing its humanitarian efforts amid global turmoil.

With 4,300 personnel deployed across ten active UN peacekeeping missions, Jaishankar noted India's extensive experience in preparing for future peacekeeping challenges.

He also highlighted India's human-centric vision for AI, which aligns with its capabilities and cultural values.

In a world rife with conflicts, Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, aiming to bridge differences and mitigate the impact of global tensions on the Global South.