Jaishankar Meets António Guterres as India Launches 2028-29 UNSC Election Campaign

India has formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-29, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to advance New Delhi’s candidacy and discuss major global crises including the Middle East conflict and the Ukraine war.

The meeting underscores India’s growing diplomatic footprint at the United Nations as it positions itself for a second term on the Council. India’s previous stint as a non-permanent UNSC member ran from 2021 to 2022, during which New Delhi chaired the Council on counterterrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations, earning recognition for balanced and consensus-driven diplomacy on contentious geopolitical issues.

India’s push for the 2028-29 seat reflects its broader strategy to expand influence in multilateral institutions and shape global governance frameworks. As a permanent member aspirant, securing regular non-permanent terms strengthens India’s voice on international peace and security matters while building coalitions among the Global South and emerging powers.

The timing of the campaign launch coincides with India’s sustained engagement on global security challenges. New Delhi has consistently advocated for reformed multilateralism that reflects 21st-century geopolitical realities, including increased representation for developing nations and emerging economies in decision-making structures.

India’s UN candidacy traditionally garners support from the Non-Aligned Movement, the G-77 coalition of developing nations, and regional partners across Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean littoral. The country’s track record during its 2021-22 term, which included navigating complex votes on Afghanistan, Palestine, and Russia-Ukraine resolutions, demonstrated New Delhi’s diplomatic agility in managing divergent interests among the five permanent members.

The Jaishankar-Guterres engagement also reflects India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping operations, where Indian Armed Forces personnel serve in multiple missions. India remains one of the largest troop-contributing nations to UN peacekeeping globally, deploying soldiers, officers, and civilian observers across conflict zones in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The campaign for 2028-29 will likely emphasize India’s contributions to global stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, maritime security, and climate action, while positioning the country as a voice for the Global South in UNSC deliberations on international peace and security.