India Highlights AI and Maritime Security as Core Priorities for 2028-29 UNSC Bid

Strategic Focus Areas

India has officially identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security as the primary pillars of its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. During a high-level debate at the UN, India's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, articulated a vision where technology serves to enhance, rather than undermine, global safety.

Technology and Maritime Safety

India’s approach emphasizes the transformative potential of emerging technologies in the maritime domain:

• Enhanced Awareness: Utilizing AI-driven analysis of satellite imagery and vessel tracking to improve domain awareness.
• Operational Support: Strengthening search and rescue operations through autonomous systems and advanced surveillance.
• Cyber Resilience: Addressing the vulnerabilities of ports and undersea infrastructure to digital threats.
• Collaborative Frameworks: Promoting information-sharing platforms, such as India's Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region, to uphold the 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) vision.

Governance and International Law

Ambassador Parvathaneni stressed that technological progress must be governed by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India maintains that:

• Developing nations must receive adequate support to build institutional capabilities.
• Human oversight and clear accountability are essential to manage the risks associated with autonomous systems.
• The UN Security Council should focus on technological developments that have clear implications for international peace, avoiding the duplication of roles performed by organizations like the International Maritime Organisation.

Context for 2028-29 Candidature

India is set to contest the election for the sole Asia-Pacific Group seat in June 2027 against Tajikistan. The nation has also used this platform to reiterate its long-standing position on broader UNSC reforms, advocating for a permanent seat and insisting that veto powers, if retained, should be held by all permanent members to ensure institutional fairness. To verify these statements, readers are encouraged to consult official transcripts from the United Nations Security Council meetings held during October 2026.