The full name of India’s SHANTI Mission is- Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.
India has started its new campaign for temporary membership of the United Nations Security Council. This campaign has been named SHANTI. India wants to become a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council for the term of 2028-29. Elections for this will be held in June 2027. This is not just an election campaign. This is also a message of India’s global thinking and diplomatic priorities. India wants to tell the world that it wants to play an active role in peace, security, development and a just global order. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar launched this campaign at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
India will compete with Tajikistan for a seat in the Asia-Pacific group. The member countries of the United Nations General Assembly will vote in this election. Let us know in the context of this latest initiative why India started SHANTI campaign in the United Nations Security Council, what will be the benefit to the country from this?
What is United Nations Security Council?
The United Nations Security Council is the most influential organ of the United Nations. The main work of this council is to maintain peace and security in the world. The Security Council takes decisions on major topics like war, terrorism, sanctions, peacekeeping forces and international crises. There are a total of 15 members in the council. Of these, America, Russia, China, Britain and France are five permanent members. These five countries have veto power, that is, any one of these countries can stop any major proposal. The remaining 10 members are temporary. They are elected for two years. India wants one of these temporary seats for 2028-29.
What is SHANTI campaign?
SHANTI is an abbreviation of English words. Its full form is Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. In simple Hindi it means ensuring overall progress and security through rules, trust and honesty.
India says that peace, development and prosperity cannot be seen separately. If war, instability and distrust increase in the world, development will also stop. Therefore, India has kept three main things in its approach. Respect for international rules, trust between countries, honesty in decisions and institutions. India has been talking about dialogue, co-existence and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam for a long time. It means that the whole world is one family.
Why did India start this campaign now?
The world is currently going through many serious crises. The Ukraine war continues. There is tension in West Asia. The Gaza conflict has created a humanitarian crisis. Attacks and insecurity on sea routes have increased. Terrorism is also a challenge for many countries. Misuse of Artificial Intelligence is also becoming a new security concern. Issues like cyber attacks, fake videos, drones and automatic weapons are increasing rapidly.
India argues that the role of the United Nations should be strengthened in such a world. The Security Council should become more representative and effective. India wants that the concerns of developing countries should also get proper place in the decisions.
What are India’s main priorities?
India has given priority to many issues under the SHANTI campaign.
- Voice of the Global South: The Global South includes Asia, Africa, Latin America and other developing countries. These countries have large populations but their voice in global decisions often remains weak. India wants these countries to get more representation in the Security Council and other global organizations. India wants to give prominence to issues like food crisis, debt, climate change, health, energy and development.
- Reforms in the United Nations Security Council: India has been demanding reforms in the UNSC for a long time. The current system was made in 1945. The circumstances of the world were different at that time. Today the role of Asia, Africa and Latin America has increased a lot. Still, only a few countries have permanent power in the Security Council. India says the council should become more democratic, representative and effective.
- Strong stance against terrorism: India considers terrorism as its main security challenge. India wants fair and evidence-based action against terrorist organizations and their supporters. India will also emphasize on stopping the funding of terrorism. It will be considered necessary to prevent terrorism from getting money, weapons, training and safe havens.
- Maritime Security: Maritime security is very important for India. India’s trade is largely done through sea routes. Oil, gas, goods and essential commodities move by sea. India supports open, safe and rules-based sea lanes. He talks about stopping piracy, human trafficking, drug trafficking and attacks on ships.
- Modern Peace Mission: United Nations peacekeeping missions work to bring stability to countries in conflict. India has been contributing to these missions for a long time. India has sent about three lakh personnel to about 50 UN peacekeeping missions. India believes that these missions should get better equipment, technology, clear goals and adequate resources.
- Human-centered AI: India wants to link the use of AI with human interest. The use of AI can be helpful in education, health, agriculture and disaster management. But its wrong use can also pose a danger. India wants AI to be safe, responsible and accessible to all countries. The benefits of technology should not be limited to only a few powerful countries.
What benefit will India get from this?
The biggest advantage for India is its strong voice on the global stage. With temporary membership of the Security Council, India will be able to play a more effective role on major international issues. Will be able to protect his security interests better. Will be able to present his stand strongly on terrorism. Will be able to increase activism on issues related to maritime security and Indian Ocean region. This can also increase India’s credibility among developing countries. India is presenting itself not just as a regional power but as a responsible global partner.
India’s goal is not just to win the temporary seat of the United Nations Security Council. It also wants to show that a changing world requires a more balanced and inclusive global order. If India is selected, it will get the opportunity to work on the world’s most influential security forum for two years. This will give India a bigger platform to protect its interests, raise the voice of the Global South and contribute to international peace.
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