India To Push For Maritime Security, Seafarers’ Safety And Counter-Terror Financing At UNSC: Jaishankar

United Nations, July 14: India will prioritise issues including a free, open and rule-based maritime order, safety of seafarers, and efforts to counter terror financing during its campaign for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said. India on Monday officially launched its campaign for the 2028-29 UNSC term at an event held at the UN headquarters, attended by ambassadors, diplomats and officials. Highlighting India’s approach based on ‘SHANTI: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity’, Jaishankar outlined key priorities, including giving a voice to the Global South, reforming multilateral institutions, future-ready peacekeeping, addressing AI-related threats, securing maritime commons, and combating terror financing. He stressed that ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime trade remains a global priority, particularly amid rising tensions and disruptions affecting key shipping routes. “The safety of seafarers is another major concern thrown up by developments in the Gulf,” Jaishankar said, adding that India would work to ensure these issues receive due attention at the Security Council. He said India has consistently contributed to maritime security through anti-piracy, counter-narcotics and anti-trafficking operations, with its forces protecting crucial sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Malacca Strait and Gulf of Guinea. India’s focus on maritime security comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the West Asia conflict, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that have affected global energy supplies and endangered seafarers. Jaishankar also highlighted the need for sustained action against terrorism by targeting its financial networks, saying India would promote evidence-based measures against terrorist organisations. Elections for the 2028-29 UNSC non-permanent seat will be held in June next year, with India and Tajikistan competing for the Asia-Pacific Group’s seat. India last served on the UNSC during 2021-22.