India to prioritise maritime security, seafarer safety at UNSC: EAM Jaishankar

Mangalore Today News Network

United Nations, Jul 14, 2026: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said India will prioritise a free, open and rules-based maritime order, including the safety of seafarers and efforts to counter terror financing, if elected to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term.

Speaking at the launch of India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC at the UN headquarters on Monday, Jaishankar outlined the country’s key priorities under the theme "SHANTI: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity."

He said India’s agenda for the Security Council would focus on representing the Global South, advancing reformed multilateralism, making peacekeeping future-ready, addressing threats arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), securing maritime commons, and strengthening efforts to counter terror financing.

Highlighting the importance of maritime security, Jaishankar said the smooth functioning of global supply chains depends on safe and secure sea routes.

He stressed the need for adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade.

"Our collective interest is in maintaining safe and unimpeded maritime commerce," he said, adding that countries with the necessary capabilities should cooperate in combating piracy.

Jaishankar also underscored the growing concern over the safety of seafarers, particularly in light of recent developments in the Gulf region.

He said India has consistently contributed to maritime security through anti-piracy, counter-narcotics and anti-trafficking operations, while also participating in search-and-rescue missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and capacity-building initiatives.

"Our forces are protecting sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific, including the northern and southern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Malacca Strait and even the Gulf of Guinea," he said, adding that India would ensure these issues receive the attention they deserve at the Security Council.

India’s emphasis on maritime security comes amid disruptions caused by tensions in West Asia, which have affected global shipping, fuel prices and the safety of commercial vessels and seafarers.

Jaishankar also identified countering terror financing as another major priority for India’s UNSC campaign.

He said global efforts against terrorism must go beyond addressing its consequences and instead focus on cutting off financial support to terrorist organisations.

"Our commitment is to concentrate on countering terror financing and support objective, evidence-based proposals for listing terrorist groups," he said.

India is contesting for a non-permanent seat on the 15-member UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term. Elections are scheduled for June next year, when India will compete with Tajikistan for the Asia-Pacific Group seat.

India last served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council during 2021–22, marking its eighth term on the UN’s most powerful body.

Jaishankar also reiterated India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in addressing global conflicts, saying the country has consistently worked to bridge differences and support the interests of the Global South.

He added that India, with over 4,300 personnel deployed across 10 UN peacekeeping missions, remains one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping and continues to advocate a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence while helping bridge the global digital divide.