Explainer: What is SHANTI Vision? With the help of which India is preparing to win the elections in UN, know Jaishankar’s masterplan

India UNSC Candidacy: India has started the campaign to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term of 2028-29. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called ‘SHANTI’ India’s candidature has been presented with a vision. The election for this seat will be held by secret ballot in the United Nations General Assembly in June 2027. India needs the support of at least 128 to 129 countries to win in this.

According to the information, India has received support from many countries including America, France, Austria, Fiji and Sri Lanka. However, India will compete with Tajikistan for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific group, making the election considered interesting. However, India’s claim is considered stronger than Tajikistan. Let us tell you why this election is important for India? What benefits will India get by winning this?

Why is India’s claim strong?

India has been a temporary member of the UNSC eight times so far and its contribution in peacekeeping missions is considered to be the most important in the world. India has sent more than three lakh troops to more than 50 UN peacekeeping missions. India has also been continuously active on issues like action against terrorism, maritime security, apartheid and colonialism. During the 2021-22 term, India also showed global leadership through vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19.

India has been a member of UNSC before (AI generated image)

India’s aim is not only to become a temporary member for two years, but also to achieve permanent membership of the Security Council. India says that considering the world’s largest population, large economy and contribution to global peace, it should get a permanent seat. America, Russia, France and Britain support India’s claim, while China’s stance is still considered very challenging. The G4 group of India, Japan, Germany and Brazil is also demanding reforms in the Security Council.

Competition between India and Tajikistan

How are elections held in UNSC (AI generated image)

The 10 temporary seats of the UNSC are distributed on the basis of different regional groups. There will be a contest between India and Tajikistan for one seat in the Asia-Pacific group for the term 2028-29. The election will be held by secret ballot in the United Nations General Assembly and a two-thirds majority is necessary for victory. India’s past record has been strong. In the 2021 elections, he got 184 votes out of 192. For this reason, this time also India is being considered a strong contender.

How does UNSC work?

There are a total of 15 members in the United Nations Security Council. These include five permanent members and 10 temporary members. Permanent members have the right to veto, while non-permanent members are elected for two years and do not have a veto. At least nine votes are required to pass any resolution and no permanent member should have a veto.

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Why is this seat important for India?

UNSC membership gives India an opportunity to present its views strongly on topics like terrorism, Pakistan-related issues and global security. Along with this, India wants to establish itself as the voice of the Global South. India has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy on issues such as the Ukraine war, Gaza crisis and Iran-Israel tensions.