United Nations : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Monday, where the two leaders discussed key global developments, including the situations in West Asia, Ukraine, and Sudan. The meeting came as India officially launched its India UNSC 2028-29 Campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Speaking briefly after the meeting, Jaishankar described the interaction as positive, saying, “Always good,” when asked about his discussion with the UN chief.
Later, in a post on X, Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet Guterres and highlighted the strong partnership between India and the United Nations.
“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,” he wrote.
India Launches UNSC 2028-29 Campaign at UN Headquarters
Ahead of his meeting with Guterres, Jaishankar formally launched the India UNSC 2028-29 Campaign at the UN headquarters in New York. The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, and senior UN officials, marking India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
The elections for the Asia-Pacific Group seat will be held in June 2027, where India will compete against Tajikistan for the lone available position.
Glad to meet @antonioguterres, Secretary General of the @UN in New York today.
Discussed global developments, including of West Asia, Ukraine and Sudan. Also recognised the strength of India – UN cooperation.
🇮🇳 🇺🇳 pic.twitter.com/Eyun5r5otZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 13, 2026
During the launch, Jaishankar said India’s vision for the Security Council is guided by the principle of “SHANTI” – Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.
India’s Priorities for the Security Council
As part of the India UNSC 2028-29 Campaign, Jaishankar outlined six key priorities that India intends to champion if elected:
- Giving a stronger voice to the Global South
- Advancing reformed multilateralism
- Building future-ready peacekeeping mechanisms
- Addressing threats arising from the misuse of Artificial Intelligence
- Securing maritime commons
- Countering terrorism and terror financing
He stressed that the world is facing an unprecedented paradox where technological progress has increased human capabilities, yet conflicts and instability continue to threaten global peace.
“Never before has the world possessed such immense capabilities to advance human welfare. At the same time, we are witnessing levels of conflict, violence and instability that affect even distant regions,” Jaishankar said.
He added that the United Nations and the Security Council must play a leading role in addressing these challenges.
India Highlights Peace and Global Cooperation
A special video presented during the event showcased India’s growing role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and global peace initiatives. The film emphasized India’s civilizational message of “Shanti” (Peace) and featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement made during his 2023 address to the US Congress: “This is not an era of war but one of dialogue and diplomacy.”
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Jaishankar reaffirmed that the India UNSC 2028-29 Campaign is committed to representing the concerns of developing nations, particularly those of the Global South, on issues related to international peace and security.
Call for UN Reforms
The External Affairs Minister also reiterated India’s long-standing demand for reforms within the United Nations.
He said global governance must evolve to become more democratic, representative, and effective, adding that countries like India have consistently demonstrated their ability to bridge differences and build international consensus.
India has previously served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, most recently during 2021-22, and is now seeking another term through the India UNSC 2028-29 Campaign to further strengthen its role in global diplomacy.