On 13 July 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India will prioritise terror countering, maritime security and the responsible use of emerging technologies as a part of its agenda, if elected as a non-permanent member for the term 2028-29.
Context
During the launch of India’s campaign for the seat of non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Jaishankar stresses on the note that Terrorism is being continued as a world's most pressing challenges called for greater international focus on dismantling its financial networks. Jaishankar also mentioned that India's MANAV framework will guide AI's human-centric governance.
Evolution in India's foreign policy
India's decision to place maritime security at the centre of its UNSC campaign signals a significant evolution in its foreign policy. Rather than viewing maritime issues solely through a naval or military lens, New Delhi is presenting them as interconnected concerns involving trade security, humanitarian protection, international law, energy security and global governance.
The emphasis on a rule-based maritime order serves multiple objectives. It reinforces India's commitment to freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution while strengthening its credentials as a responsible stakeholder in international affairs. Equally important is the inclusion of seafarer safety, an issue that has gained urgency following attacks on merchant vessels in conflict zones that have endangered Indian nationals serving aboard international ships.
India's maritime vision complements its emergence as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy has expanded anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance missions, disaster relief operations and maritime domain awareness initiatives across the Indo-Pacific. By advocating stronger international cooperation through the UNSC, India seeks to institutionalise these contributions within global governance. It also reinforces India's image as a country capable of providing public security goods rather than merely protecting national interests. This strengthens India's long-standing aspiration for greater responsibility within the international system and supports its campaign for permanent UNSC reform.
Global supply chains increasingly depend on secure maritime corridors. Disruptions in chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb or the Red Sea rapidly increase shipping costs, insurance premiums and energy prices. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India has a direct interest in ensuring uninterrupted maritime commerce. A rules-based maritime environment reduces uncertainty for trade, encourages investment and safeguards energy imports. By linking maritime security with economic stability, India recognises that protecting sea lanes is no longer simply a defence priority but an essential requirement for sustained economic growth and industrial development.
Conclusion
India's emphasis on a rule-based maritime order reflects a broader shift in its global outlook. By linking maritime security with international law, economic resilience and humanitarian responsibility, New Delhi is redefining its role within the international system. If backed by sustained diplomatic engagement and credible maritime capabilities, this agenda can strengthen both India's global standing and the stability of the wider Indo-Pacific region.