The race for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term has now reached an interesting turn. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has officially launched India’s campaign for this membership. India is going to face Tajikistan directly for this sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group. The biggest thing is that the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its support for Tajikistan, which has created a challenge for India. On the other hand, influential countries like the US, Australia, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Austria have stood in India’s favor. Elections for this important seat will be held in June 2027.
Let’s know what are the strengths and weaknesses of the two countries in this race:
India’s stellar track record in the UNSCIndia’s previous record as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council has been impressive. India has already held this position eight times, for a total of 16 years. 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12 and 2021-22. In the 2011-12 elections, India received 187 out of 190 votes and in the 2021-22 elections, it received 184 out of 193 votes. This time too, India is expected to receive strong support from European countries, neighboring countries, the Caribbean, South America, Gulf countries and African countries.
Whose weight is heavier?
Looking at global diplomacy, international influence and past track record, India’s weight certainly seems heavier. India has aggressive diplomacy and the support of the world’s largest democracies. In all these respects, India is far ahead of Tajikistan, but this fight will not be easy. Because, for UNSC membership, it is necessary to get a two-thirds majority in the UN General Assembly. Tajikistan has also emerged as a strong competitor as it has the votes of 57 countries of the OIC. On the other hand, Pakistan is planning a big game behind the scenes to block this path of India. It is trying to unite Islamic countries in favor of Tajikistan. To win the elections, India will now have to intensify its propaganda campaign in African, Latin American and Gulf countries.
