India has formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term, putting maritime security and the safety of seafarers at the core of its agenda. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India will work to ensure that a free, open and rule-based maritime order, including stronger protections for seafarers, receives the “attention it deserves” at the world body. He underlined that securing maritime lifelines and keeping global sea routes safe is vital for international trade and economic stability.
Jaishankar highlighted that India’s candidature comes at a time when global sea lanes face rising threats, making maritime security a collective responsibility for the international community. The minister pointed out that recent attacks on commercial vessels and incidents involving seafarers have reinforced the need for a stronger global framework on safety at sea. India, he noted, intends to use its UNSC term, if elected, to push for practical steps to protect shipping, ports and seafarers worldwide.
Priorities: Maritime Commons, Seafarers And Terror Financing
Jaishankar said India will focus on safeguarding maritime commons to ensure that oceans remain open, secure and governed by international law. He stressed that seafarers — who keep global supply chains moving — must be protected from escalating risks such as attacks on merchant vessels and disruptions in key sea corridors. Ensuring that maritime lifelines are not threatened will be a central part of India’s approach at the Security Council, he added.
Another major plank of India’s UNSC campaign will be countering terror financing through sustained, coordinated global action. Jaishankar underlined that tackling the financial networks that support terrorism is essential to strengthening overall security, including in the maritime domain. He said India will push for stronger implementation of existing UN mechanisms and better international cooperation to address these threats.government.economictimes.
Voice Of Global South And Reformed Multilateralism
The External Affairs Minister also listed India’s broader priorities for its UNSC bid, including acting as a voice for the Global South and advancing reformed multilateralism. India will advocate for fairer representation and more responsive global institutions that reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and the concerns of developing countries. Jaishankar said this agenda extends to areas such as future-ready peacekeeping, responsible use of emerging technologies and inclusive decision-making on global security issues.
He noted that India wants peacekeeping operations to be better equipped and more attuned to new challenges, including those arising from technological change. Addressing threats linked to the misuse of artificial intelligence was identified as another priority, with India calling for global norms that prevent abuse while enabling beneficial innovation. Together with securing maritime commons and countering terror financing, these themes will form the backbone of India’s campaign narrative for the 2028–29 UNSC term.
