Jaishankar Meets UN Chief as India Launches Campaign for 2028–29 Security Council Seat

United Nations, July 2026 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Monday, discussing major global conflicts and reaffirming India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, even as New Delhi formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–2029 term.

The meeting took place at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the launch of India’s UNSC campaign, marking the beginning of an extensive diplomatic outreach aimed at securing the support of UN member states ahead of the General Assembly elections scheduled next year.

Sharing details of the interaction on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he had a productive discussion with Guterres on several pressing international issues.

“Glad to meet @antonioguterres, Secretary General of the @UN in New York today. Discussed global developments, including West Asia, Ukraine and Sudan. Also recognised the strength of India-UN cooperation,” the External Affairs Minister posted.

The discussions focused on evolving geopolitical challenges, regional conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the importance of strengthening cooperation between India and the United Nations in addressing global security concerns. Both leaders also reviewed the growing partnership between India and the UN across peacekeeping, sustainable development, and international governance.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar officially unveiled India’s candidature for the Security Council, presenting a six-point vision under the acronym SHANTI — Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.

Addressing diplomats, ambassadors and representatives from across the world, he said India’s approach to the Security Council would be guided by dialogue, inclusivity and cooperation, with a strong emphasis on representing the interests of developing countries and the Global South.

He stressed that India has consistently championed the concerns of emerging economies and developing nations while making significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and global development initiatives.

Under the SHANTI framework, India has outlined six key priorities for its Security Council campaign. These include strengthening the voice of the Global South in international peace and security, promoting a more democratic, representative and effective multilateral system, modernising UN peacekeeping operations with advanced technology, encouraging a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence, supporting a free, open and rules-based maritime order in accordance with international law, and intensifying global efforts to combat terrorism and terror financing.

Jaishankar also reiterated India’s commitment to promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda and ensuring that UN peacekeeping missions remain focused on their core mandates while adapting to emerging security challenges.

Highlighting the need for reforms in global governance, the minister said international institutions must evolve to reflect present-day geopolitical realities rather than the world order that existed after the Second World War. He maintained that India would continue to advocate constructive dialogue, consensus-building and meaningful reforms to make the United Nations more effective and representative.

India will contest the election for the Asia-Pacific non-permanent seat on the Security Council at the UN General Assembly next year. If successful, the 2028–2029 tenure will mark India’s ninth term as an elected member of the 15-member UNSC.

At the same time, New Delhi continues to pursue its long-standing objective of securing a permanent seat on a reformed Security Council, arguing that the existing structure no longer reflects contemporary global realities. By seeking another non-permanent term, India aims to maintain its active role in shaping international discussions on peace, security and global governance while continuing to push for comprehensive reforms of the UN system.