India has been elected to the Security Council with an overwhelming majority of 184 votes running on a platform of fighting terrorism and promoting the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. Elections in June took place against the backdrop of the conflict in Ladakh with China, whom it will join on the Council in January. New Delhi won the Asia Pacific seat on the highest decision-making body of the UN with the unanimous support of the countries in the 55-member group, with China and Pakistan, at least openly, conceding support in face of overwhelming backing for India from the others.

Though India ran unopposed from Asia, eight countries apparently did not vote for India in the secret ballot in which 192 of the 193 member nations participated. After the vote, India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti acknowledged the said in a video statement, “We are confident in the COVID and post-COVID world, India will continue provide leadership and a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system.” “Our election to the United Security Council is a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s vision and his inspiring global leadership,” he added. India will serve its eighth two-year term as a non-permanent member without veto powers, even as it pursues on a parallel track UN reforms aimed at getting a permanent seat.