In a last-minute pitch, Tirumurti said in a video message, “India’s presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world our ethos that the world is one family—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” In a campaign document unveiled by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, India laid out a “5S” approach of Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation) Shanti (Peace) and Samriddi (Prosperity) for its service on the Council.

The document setting out India’s agenda said that a reformed multilateralism is a must for the post-COVID19 era. Besides fighting terrorism, a priority for India, which historically has been the largest contributor to peacekeeping operations, the document listed was streamlining UN peacekeeping to “ensure greater clarity, direction, and professionalism.”

While addressing the abuse of technology by terrorists, the document said that technology must be promoted with “a human touch” and India will promote partnerships to harness it to reduce human suffering and build resilient communities. “India will become a member of the Security Council at a critical juncture,” Tirumurti said. India will step into a Council Chamber paralysed by the polarisation of its veto-wielding permanent members that almost harks back to the Cold War era.