India Revives Push for Permanent UN Security Council Seat Ahead of 2028-29 Bid

India has formally begun its bid for a two-year non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term, under the banner “Shanti: India for the United Nations Security Council 2028-29 — Norms, Trust, Integrity.” The effort revives a campaign first launched at the 49th General Assembly in 1994 and reiterated by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee. New Delhi argues that its size, democratic credentials, rising geopolitical weight and the contribution of nearly 300,000 personnel to about 50 peacekeeping missions merit a permanent seat and veto power.

It also calls for expanding the Council’s membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories to give the Global South a stronger voice. While four of the five permanent members have expressed support, China has not explicitly endorsed the bid despite earlier BRICS statements. The push forms part of a broader, stalled effort to reform the Security Council since a 1965 amendment added only non-permanent seats.