External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded his State Department visit to New York. This is the first step in India’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC for the 2028-29 term.
Dr. Jaishankar said on social media: “I’ve concluded my visit to New York to launch India’s campaign for the United Nations Security Council 2028-29.” The visit was conducted during several high-level diplomatic visits with representatives from United Nations member countries, senior UN officials and world leaders who came together to build the support of the world for India’s candidacy.
Concluded my visit to New York to launch India’s campaign for United Nations Security Council 2028-29.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 15, 2026
🇮🇳 🇺🇳 pic.twitter.com/iEx89hD7eg
India’s campaign comes at a time when it is expanding its diplomatic presence around the world through strategic partnerships, development cooperation, climate initiatives, and active participation in international forums. With a seat on the Security Council at the helm, New Delhi will tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems of conflict, terrorism, climate change, food security and sustainable development.
Jaishankar came to New York to participate in several bilateral and multilateral meetings where he was able to make clear India’s commitment to a rules-based international order, respect for international law and reform of global governance systems. He also reaffirmed India’s long-standing belief that the United Nations, and particularly the Security Council, should be more relevant to current geopolitical realities.
India has consistently pushed for full reform of the UNSC, arguing that its current structure is not up to date with the world order of 1945 but is more in line with the 21st century. As the world’s most populous country, fifth-largest economy and biggest contributor to UN peacekeeping, India deserves a greater level of representation in the world’s decision-making.
The launch of the campaign also follows India’s successful experience as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2021-22, during which it was active in promoting issues (e.g., maritime security, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping reforms, technology for development, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones). India’s presidency of the Council from August 2021 to December 2022 was among the first to reach a consensus on a number of the world’s major problems.
India’s diplomatic outreach in New York also underscored its growing role as the voice of the Global South. New Delhi has developed partnerships in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific in recent years through development assistance, capacity-building efforts, digital public infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.
If India wants to get a seat in the Security Council, it will have to have the majority of the UN General Assembly’s support, as non-permanent members are elected based on regional representation in the UN. India will be confident that it is a responsible global power that is committed to peace, development, and multilateralism.
The visit also reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening the United Nations as the global community is experiencing increasing geopolitical tension, regional conflicts, climate-related issues, and technological challenges. Cooperation, dialogue, and institutions that can respond to this need to be in place are required to take global governance to the next level, Jaishankar said.
As India continues its diplomatic outreach in the upcoming months, the UNSC campaign is going to be a major pillar of its foreign policy engagement. If elected, India will work towards world peace, equity in development, the development of global security frameworks, and the voice of developing countries in international planning.
In this regard, Jaishankar’s visit to New York is a major stage in India’s diplomatic journey, and it is an affirmation of India’s ambition to be more active in the future of global governance and international cooperation.
