As he declared the country’s candidacy for non-permanent membership for the 2028-29 term, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India looks forward to being back on the Security Council.
In the midst of India’s current UN Security Council Presidency, Jaishankar will preside over two signature events on counter-terrorism and reformed multilateralism here on Tuesday. Before the curtains come down this month, India will wrap up its two-year stint as a 15-nation top body’s top organ.
We’ve declared our candidacy for the next term at the Council in 2028-29, and we’re looking forward to returning,” he said as India wraps up its 2021-22 term as an elected member of the Council.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a UN Security Council stakeout on counterterrorism, Jaishankar said December is India’s last month on the Security Council, the eighth time India has sat there.
During our eighth innings, we’ve tried to bring many themes of contemporary relevance to the forefront of the UN agenda and debate like maritime security, peacekeeping technology, UN reforms, and counterterrorism.
On many issues of concern, we’ve sought to be the voice of the global South. As he thanked his fellow Security Council members, Jaishankar said, “We’ve tried to understand their interests and anxieties and see if we can act as a bridging tool.”
Working with them has been great.
Previously, India was in the Council for eight terms: 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992, and 2011-2012.
India took over the monthly rotating Security Council presidency on December 1, its second time presiding over the Council since August 2021 as an elected UNSC member.
During her term on the Security Council that ends December 31, India has been at the forefront of calling for urgent reform of the Security Council, which has remained deeply divided.
India says that if nations like India don’t have a permanent seat at the horseshoe table, the Council’s credibility will be at risk. The Council’s current structure doesn’t reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
