India will formally launch its campaign for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for the 2028–29 term next week, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters. The move underscores India’s push for greater representation in global governance amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

India’s UNSC 2028-29 Campaign and Geopolitical Stakes

Jaishankar will unveil India’s candidacy at a special UN event on Monday, following his official visits to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The elections for the 2028–29 term, scheduled for June 2025, will see India compete with Tajikistan for the Asia-Pacific Group’s sole seat. India last held a non-permanent seat in 2021–22.

The campaign comes as the world navigates major conflicts, including the Ukraine war, Gaza crisis, and escalating US-Israel tensions with Iran. India’s candidacy slogan, “#India4UNSC 2028-29 Peace, Planet, Progress,” aligns with its call for UNSC reform to reflect 21st-century realities.

UNSC Reform and India’s Permanent Seat Push

India has long advocated for UNSC expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, arguing that the current structure—dominated by five permanent members—no longer serves global equity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized that developing nations seek a greater role in global affairs, stating that UNSC reforms “can no longer be delayed.”

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, warned last month that reform efforts risk failure if they only expand non-permanent membership, as this would leave decision-making power unchanged. He criticized the “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” approach, calling it a tool for status-quo powers to block progress.

Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Schedule

After the UNSC campaign launch, Jaishankar will attend the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting in Brussels on July 14–15, engaging with EU and Belgian counterparts. His meeting with Guterres is scheduled for Monday afternoon at the UN headquarters.