Archive · 27 Sep 2026
India and Tajikistan Vie for Sole 2028-29 UNSC Seat
India and Tajikistan both want one available seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The seat is for the 2028-29 term.
Tajikistan is trying to win a Security Council seat for the first time.
Its foreign minister said the country wants to help maintain peace rather than gain prestige.
He said Tajikistan would use its experience of conflict, peacebuilding and border challenges.
India has also officially begun its campaign for the seat.
India says it would focus on issues including peacekeeping, maritime security and risks from artificial intelligence.
The election is planned for June next year.
Tajikistan is seeking its first election to the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin said membership would focus on responsibility, not status.
India and Tajikistan are competing for one Asia-Pacific Group seat in elections scheduled for June next year.
India’s campaign priorities include Global South representation, reformed multilateralism, peacekeeping, artificial intelligence risks, maritime security and terror financing.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Muhriddin met during the UN General Assembly’s high-level debate.
- Who
- India and Tajikistan are competing for the sole Asia-Pacific Group seat, represented in the report by S Jaishankar and Sirojiddin Muhriddin.
- What
- The countries are seeking election to a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for the 2028-29 term.
- When
- The election is scheduled for June next year; Muhriddin spoke during the 81st UN General Assembly session on September 27.
- Where
- The competing campaigns were discussed at the United Nations, including during the General Assembly’s high-level debate.
- Why
- Tajikistan says it wants to contribute to international peace and security, while India has presented priorities for its proposed Council term.
Tajikistan’s Case
India’s Case
Reason for seeking the seat
Tajikistan’s Case
Tajikistan says membership would be a responsibility to uphold the UN Charter, hear all voices and support international peace and security.
India’s Case
India has framed its campaign around SHANTI and six stated priorities for the 2028-29 term.
Experience and contribution
Tajikistan’s Case
Tajikistan emphasizes its experience of conflict, peacebuilding, difficult borders and choosing dialogue and compromise.
India’s Case
India emphasizes its proposed role as a voice of the Global South, supporter of reformed multilateralism and advocate for future-ready peacekeeping.
Issues highlighted
Tajikistan’s Case
Tajikistan’s remarks focused broadly on constructive cooperation and maintaining international peace and security.
India’s Case
India specifically highlighted artificial intelligence misuse, maritime security and countering terror financing alongside its other priorities.
- Contested position
- One non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat in the Asia-Pacific Group category
- Term
- 2028-2029
- Election timing
- June next year
- Tajikistan’s position
- Its first attempt to win a Security Council seat
- Tajikistan’s stated approach
- Membership would be about responsibility rather than status
- India’s campaign theme
- SHANTI: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity
- India’s listed priorities
- Global South representation, reformed multilateralism, future-ready peacekeeping, artificial intelligence risks, maritime commons and terror financing