In News:

India has launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2028–29. The election is scheduled for June 2027.

UNSC: Key Facts

• UNSC: Principal UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• Total members:15
  • 5 Permanent Members (P5): USA, Russia, China, France and UK — possess veto power.
  • 10 Non-Permanent Members: Elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for two-year terms.
• Regional distribution:
  • Africa – 3
  • Asia-Pacific – 2
  • Latin America & Caribbean – 2
  • Western Europe & Others – 2
  • Eastern Europe – 1
• Election: Requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting and is conducted through secret ballot.

Functions of the UNSC

Under the UN Charter, the Council can:

• Maintain international peace and security.
• Investigate disputes and recommend peaceful settlements.
• Impose sanctions.
• Authorisepeacekeeping and enforcement action.
• Recommend the appointment of the UN Secretary-General.
• Recommend admission of new UN members.

India’s UNSC Record

If elected, India will serve its ninth term as a non-permanent member.

Previous terms:1950–51, 1967–68, 1972–73, 1977–78, 1984–85, 1991–92, 2011–12 and 2021–22.

• India's current Asian-group competitor for 2028–29 is Tajikistan.
• India seeks to use its candidature to strengthen its role in Global South diplomacy, counter-terrorism and multilateral reforms.

Why UNSC Membership Matters for India?

1. Global governance: Greater influence over debates on conflicts, terrorism, sanctions and international security.

2. Global South: Platform to articulate concerns of developing countries and push for more representative multilateral institutions.

3. Counter-terrorism: UNSC remains important for international cooperation against terrorism and its financing.

4. Permanent seat: Repeated elected membership can strengthen India's argument for permanent UNSC membership by demonstrating diplomatic support and sustained contribution to the UN system.