Background and Meaning
The SHANTI Framework is India’s guiding vision for its campaign to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2028–29 term.
It was presented by the External Affairs Minister at the United Nations headquarters in New York in July 2026.
SHANTI stands for:
Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity
The word shanti means peace and reflects India’s proposed approach to international peace, security and global governance.
The framework is not an international treaty or legally binding arrangement. It is a diplomatic agenda outlining the priorities India intends to pursue through the United Nations.
Major Priorities
The framework identifies six broad priorities.
Voice of the Global South
India seeks greater representation of developing countries in decisions concerning international peace and security.
Reformed multilateralism
It calls for reform of international institutions, particularly the Security Council, to make them more representative, democratic and effective.
Future-ready peacekeeping
United Nations peacekeeping operations should receive realistic mandates, modern equipment, suitable technology and adequate resources.
Responsible use of artificial intelligence
The framework highlights security threats arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence, including disinformation, cyberattacks and autonomous technologies.
Protection of maritime commons
India supports a free, open and rules-based maritime order, safety of sea lanes and coordinated action against piracy, trafficking and other maritime crimes.
Countering terrorism and terror financing
It advocates stronger international cooperation against terrorist organisations, their financial networks and cross-border support systems.
Underlying Principles
The framework is built around three central principles.
Norms
International relations should be guided by international law, agreed rules and respect for sovereign equality.
Trust
Global cooperation requires confidence among countries, particularly during conflicts, humanitarian emergencies and security crises.
Integrity
International institutions should apply rules consistently and avoid selective responses based on political convenience.
The framework therefore combines peace and security with fairness, institutional credibility and equitable development.
Importance for India
The SHANTI Framework presents India as:
- a representative of the Global South;
- a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping;
- a supporter of rules-based maritime security;
- an advocate of institutional reform;
- a country capable of responding to emerging technological threats;
- a bridge between developed and developing countries.
It also reflects India’s argument that the existing multilateral system does not adequately represent present-day geopolitical and economic realities.
India’s experience in peacekeeping, anti-piracy operations, disaster assistance and development partnerships strengthens its claim for a larger role in global governance.
Challenges and Wider Implications
The effectiveness of the framework will depend on India’s ability to convert broad principles into practical initiatives.
Major challenges include:
- resistance to Security Council reform;
- geopolitical rivalry among major powers;
- selective application of international norms;
- divisions over terrorism and its definition;
- regulation of rapidly developing artificial-intelligence technologies;
- conflicting claims over maritime spaces;
- limited resources and unclear mandates in peacekeeping missions.
India must also demonstrate consistency between its diplomatic principles and its positions in specific international conflicts.
Conclusion
The SHANTI Framework presents India’s vision of a peaceful, representative and rules-based global order. It links traditional security concerns with emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, maritime security and institutional reform, while placing the interests of the Global South at the centre of international decision-making.
