Relevance:GS Paper II: International Relations, United Nations, Multilateral Institutions, India and Global Governance
Prelims Keywords: UNSC | Non-Permanent Member | UN General Assembly | Two-Thirds Majority | P5
Mains Keywords: Multilateral diplomacy | Global governance reform | India’s permanent seat claim | Global South politics | Strategic legitimacy
Why in News?
India has launched its campaign to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
The election will be held in June 2027. India’s contest is for one seat from the Asia group, and the other contestant is Tajikistan. If elected, this will be India’s 9th term on the UNSC.
About the United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the most powerful organs of the United Nations. It has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
Permanent Members: P5
The UNSC has five permanent members:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- France
- Russia
- China
These five countries also have veto power.
How Non-Permanent Members are Elected
The UNSC has 10 non-permanent members. They are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
Regional Distribution of Non-Permanent Seats
The UN divides member countries into regional groups.
Main UN Regional Groups
- Asia
- Africa
- Latin America
- Eastern Europe
- Western Europe and Others Group
The Western Europe and Others Group includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.
Distribution of 10 Non-Permanent UNSC Seats
- Africa: 3 seats
- Asia: 2 seats
- Latin America: 2 seats
- Western Europe and Others: 2 seats
- Eastern Europe: 1 seat
Five elected members retire every year, ensuring rotation among non-permanent members.
How UNSC Elections Take Place
- Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly.
- Elections are conducted through secret ballot.
- A candidate needs a two-thirds majority of votes cast.
- Regional group endorsement is important but does not guarantee victory.
- Diplomatic outreach, bilateral relations, regional equations and issue-based positions influence voting.
India’s Campaign for 2028-29
India has launched its campaign well before the election.
Key Details
- Term sought: 2028-29
- Election year: June 2027
- Regional group: Asia
- Opponent: Tajikistan
- If elected: India’s 9th term on the UNSC
From a purely geopolitical perspective, India appears stronger because of:
- its large economy
- G20 membership
- major diplomatic presence
- long-standing UN participation
- claim for permanent membership
- Global South leadership
However, UN elections can produce unexpected outcomes.
Current Asian Context
- Pakistan is presently a UNSC member from Asia for 2025-26.
- Bahrain’s term expires in 2027.
- Kyrgyzstan will replace Pakistan in 2027 and serve through 2028.
- Since Kyrgyzstan represents Central Asia, India may argue that its candidature better serves wider Asian representation for 2028-29.
However, India must still run a strong global campaign because voting is secret and political factors matter.
Why the Election is Not Automatic for India
Even though India has stronger global standing than Tajikistan, the result cannot be taken for granted.
Reasons
- UN elections are by secret ballot.
- Small countries often coordinate to support each other.
- Issue-based voting can affect outcomes.
- Global South sentiment may influence voting.
- Groups such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation can shape results.
- Chinese diplomatic influence may play a role in Asian contests.
Therefore, India needs sustained diplomatic engagement with all regions.
Recent Lessons from UN Elections
1. Germany’s Defeat
In a recent three-way contest among Western countries for two seats, Portugal and Austria defeated Germany.
This was significant because Germany is:
- a major economy
- large UN financial contributor
- aspirant for permanent UNSC membership
- regular contender for non-permanent seats
The defeat showed that global standing alone is not enough.
2. Kyrgyzstan’s Victory Over the Philippines
In the Asian group, Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines, despite the Philippines being a long-standing UN member with ASEAN backing.
Kyrgyzstan secured 142 votes out of 191 cast, crossing the two-thirds requirement of 127 votes.
Its victory was reportedly supported by:
- the OIC group
- strong Chinese backing
- solidarity among smaller countries
3. Bangladesh Candidate’s Victory for UNGA Presidency
The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh defeated the candidate from Cyprus for the UNGA Presidency.
This too suggests the importance of Global South politics, coalition-building and support among smaller States.
India’s Past Experience
India faced a similar situation in 2010 when Kazakhstan was also in the fray.
India used strong bilateral ties to persuade Kazakhstan to shift its candidature to 2017-18.
As a result, India’s election became assured. Sustained diplomacy helped India secure 187 votes, signalling strong global acceptance for India’s role and its claim for permanent UNSC membership.
Why UNSC Membership Matters for India
1. Global Legitimacy
The UN may face criticism, but global legitimacy for major international action still often requires UN approval.
Even powerful countries need UN support to legitimise major peace and security initiatives.
2. Voice in Peace and Security Issues
UNSC membership gives India a direct voice in debates on:
- terrorism
- conflicts
- peacekeeping
- sanctions
- regional crises
- international security
3. Countering Pakistan’s Narrative
Pakistan is a UNSC member during 2025-26. Despite this, it has not been able to use the Council effectively to pressure India.
The UNSC resolution condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack was important for India.
4. Support for Permanent Seat Claim
Every successful non-permanent term strengthens India’s argument that it is a responsible and capable stakeholder in global security governance.
5. Diplomatic Outreach
UNSC campaigns require outreach to almost all UN members, strengthening India’s global diplomatic network.
Significance for India’s Permanent Seat Claim
India has long demanded reform of the UNSC and a permanent seat.
India’s claim is based on:
- large population
- major economy
- democratic credentials
- contribution to UN peacekeeping
- Global South leadership
- rising strategic influence
- need for representative global governance
A strong victory in the 2028-29 election would send a political message that India enjoys wide international support.
Challenges Before India
1. Secret Ballot Uncertainty
Since voting is secret, public support may not always translate into actual votes.
2. Tajikistan’s Candidature
Tajikistan may benefit from Central Asian, OIC or other bloc support.
3. Smaller Country Solidarity
Recent elections show that smaller countries may sometimes vote against global heavyweights.
4. China Factor
China’s influence in Asia and among smaller States may affect voting behaviour.
5. Global South Sensitivities
India must carefully manage positions on conflicts and development issues that matter to the Global South.
6. Regional Balancing
Kyrgyzstan’s election already provides Central Asian representation, but this does not automatically secure India’s path.
Way Forward
1. Early and Sustained Campaign
India should maintain diplomatic engagement well before the June 2027 election.
2. Reach Beyond Traditional Partners
India must seek support from Africa, Latin America, Pacific Island countries, Caribbean States, Europe and the Islamic world.
3. Use Development Diplomacy
India’s development partnerships, capacity-building programmes and humanitarian assistance should support its campaign.
4. Engage the Global South
India should highlight issues such as debt, climate finance, food security, energy security and equitable global governance.
5. Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Central Asia
India should maintain respectful engagement with Tajikistan and Central Asian States while advancing its candidature.
6. Project Responsible Security Role
India should present itself as a credible voice on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, maritime security and UN reform.
Conclusion
India’s campaign for the 2028-29 UNSC non-permanent seat is not merely a routine election. It is part of India’s wider effort to shape global governance and strengthen its claim for a permanent seat. Although India appears stronger than Tajikistan in terms of global standing, recent UN elections show that outcomes can be unpredictable. A successful campaign will require sustained diplomacy, Global South engagement, coalition-building and careful management of international issues. A strong victory would reinforce India’s image as a major power and a responsible stakeholder in international peace and security.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Security Council:
- The UNSC has five permanent members and ten non-permanent members.
- Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
- India is campaigning for a UNSC non-permanent seat for the 2028-29 term.
- Non-permanent members of the UNSC have veto power.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a)
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. The UNSC has 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. India is campaigning for the 2028-29 non-permanent seat.
Statement 4 is incorrect because only the five permanent members have veto power. Non-permanent members do not have veto power.
FAQs
1. Which UNSC term is India campaigning for?
India is campaigning for the 2028-29 non-permanent term.
2. When will the election be held?
In June 2027.
3. Which country is contesting against India?
Tajikistan.
4. If elected, how many times will India have served on the UNSC?
It will be India’s 9th term.
5. How many permanent members are there in the UNSC?
There are five permanent members.
6. Who are the P5?
United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China.
7. How many non-permanent members does the UNSC have?
10 non-permanent members.
8. Who elects non-permanent members?
The UN General Assembly.
9. What is the term of non-permanent members?
Two years.
10. Do non-permanent members have veto power?
No. Only permanent members have veto power.
11. Why is the election uncertain despite India’s strong standing?
Because UNSC elections are held by secret ballot and can be influenced by bloc politics, issue-based voting and smaller State solidarity.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper II: Governance, Regulatory Bodies, Consumer Protection, Public Health
Prelims Keywords: FSSAI | Food Labelling | Misleading Advertisement | 100% Claim | E-commerce Food Listings
Mains Keywords: Consumer protection | Public health regulation | Food safety governance | Nutrition claims | Digital marketplace accountability
Why in News?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has intensified scrutiny of food labels, advertisements and online product listings.
The issue came into focus after Mondelez India withdrew health and nutrient-comparison claims related to Bournvita following FSSAI action. The regulator has issued more than 150 notices to food companies in recent months over misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling non-compliance.
Companies mentioned in the regulatory scrutiny include major packaged food and beverage firms such as Nestlé India, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola India, Abbott India, Red Bull India, Danone India, Mondelez India, Ferrero India and Kenvue.
What is the Core Issue?
The issue is not only whether a food product contains permitted ingredients. The larger question is whether a company can legally and scientifically justify the claims it makes on:
- product labels
- advertisements
- e-commerce listings
- promotional banners
- online product descriptions
FSSAI is focusing on whether claims such as “healthy,” “pure,” “immunity-boosting,” “energy,” “nutrient-rich” or “100%” may mislead consumers.
Why Bournvita Matters
- Bournvita is a familiar malted drink brand in India.
- It is sensitive from a regulatory perspective because its marketing has historically been linked with children’s nutrition.
- In 2023, it came under public scrutiny over sugar content and claims about nutritional benefits.
- The latest regulatory action does not automatically mean that Bournvita is unsafe.
- The issue is whether specific health claims or nutrient-comparison claims were adequately supported by evidence.
Mondelez India has now withdrawn the claims flagged by FSSAI and removed related advertisements from e-commerce platforms.
Food Safety vs Misleading Claim
It is important to distinguish between two issues:
1. Food Safety
This deals with whether a product contains permitted ingredients and meets safety standards.
2. Food Claims
This deals with how the product is presented to consumers.
A product may be safe for consumption, but its advertisement may still be misleading if it exaggerates health benefits or creates an unsupported impression.
Meaning of “100%” and Pure Claims
FSSAI is also concerned about absolute-sounding claims such as “100%”.
In May 2025, FSSAI advised food businesses to stop using “100%” on food labels, packaging and promotional material.
Reason
Such words may create a false sense of absolute purity or superiority.
The concern is not limited to one product category. It applies to food products where terms such as:
- 100%
- pure
- natural
- healthy
- immunity-boosting
- energy
may influence consumer choice before the consumer examines the nutrition panel or ingredient list.
Why E-commerce is Under Scrutiny
FSSAI’s enforcement is no longer limited to physical product packaging in shops.
The regulator is also looking at:
- e-commerce product pages
- online banners
- marketplace listings
- food delivery platforms
- restaurants and food-service establishments
This is important because online descriptions may carry claims that are different from the physical package.
For many consumers, the purchase decision is now shaped by an online image, banner or description rather than by reading the label in a shop.
Examples of Corrective Action
1. Mondelez India
- Withdrew health and nutrient-comparison claims around Bournvita.
- Removed related advertisements from e-commerce platforms.
2. Amway India
- Removed “100%” from its “100% Pure Coconut Oil” packaging and promotion.
- Dropped the “Energy Drink” descriptor from its caffeinated XS products.
3. Juza Foods
- Agreed to withdraw claims related to:
- immunity
- stronger bones
- comparative calcium benefits
from its baby-food products.
These examples show that FSSAI is targeting both nutrition claims and absolute purity claims.
What FSSAI is Trying to Change
FSSAI wants food businesses to move from broad marketing language to evidence-backed claims.
The regulator is pushing companies to ensure that:
- health claims are scientifically supported
- nutrient comparisons are not misleading
- words like “pure” and “100%” do not create false impressions
- online and offline product claims remain consistent
- consumers are not misled by promotional language
This is also linked with broader concerns about obesity, unhealthy diets and consumer awareness.
Significance
1. Consumer Protection
The crackdown protects consumers from exaggerated or misleading claims.
2. Public Health
It supports better food choices at a time when India faces rising concerns over obesity and unhealthy diets.
3. Regulatory Accountability
It shows that food companies must justify claims with evidence.
4. Digital Marketplace Regulation
By including e-commerce listings, FSSAI is adapting food regulation to changing consumer behaviour.
5. Transparency in Food Marketing
It encourages companies to use clearer and more responsible food communication.
Challenges
- Consumers may already have been exposed to misleading claims for years.
- Removing a claim from one platform may not remove it everywhere.
- Online listings can change rapidly.
- Monitoring thousands of digital product pages is difficult.
- Companies may use indirect marketing language to create similar impressions.
- Consumers may not always read nutrition labels carefully.
- Corrective action after notice may be temporary unless routine compliance improves.
Way Forward
1. Evidence-Based Claims
All health and nutrition claims should be supported by scientific evidence.
2. Stronger Monitoring
FSSAI should continuously monitor labels, advertisements and e-commerce listings.
3. Uniform Online and Offline Compliance
Claims on packaging and online product pages should be consistent.
4. Clear Consumer Awareness
Consumers should be educated to check ingredient lists and nutrition panels.
5. Accountability of Platforms
E-commerce platforms should be made responsible for misleading claims displayed on their pages.
6. Routine Compliance
Food companies should treat claim verification as regular compliance, not only as a response to notices.
Conclusion
FSSAI’s action against misleading food claims marks an important shift in food regulation. The focus is no longer limited to whether a product is safe; it also includes how the product is marketed to consumers. In a growing packaged-food and e-commerce market, words such as “pure,” “healthy,” “immunity,” “energy” and “100%” can strongly influence buying behaviour. Therefore, evidence-based labelling, strict digital monitoring and consumer awareness are essential for protecting public health and consumer rights.
CARE MCQ
Q. Which of the following statements about FSSAI’s recent action on food claims is correct?
A. FSSAI checks only the safety of ingredients, not food advertisements.
B. FSSAI can act against misleading food claims made on labels, advertisements and e-commerce listings.
C. Food companies can use terms like “100% pure” without any evidence.
D. E-commerce food listings are outside the control of FSSAI.
Answer: B
Explanation
FSSAI is tightening rules because food companies often use claims like “100% pure,” “healthy,” “natural,” “energy” or “immunity-boosting” to influence consumers. These claims must be supported by proper evidence. FSSAI can examine not only physical product labels but also advertisements, online product pages and e-commerce listings.
FAQs
1. Why is FSSAI tightening rules on food claims?
To prevent misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling non-compliance.
2. What happened in the Bournvita case?
Mondelez India withdrew certain health and nutrient-comparison claims after FSSAI action.
3. Does the action mean Bournvita is unsafe?
No. The issue is about whether specific claims were adequately supported and presented fairly.
4. Why is “100%” under scrutiny?
Because it may create a false sense of absolute purity or superiority.
5. Why is e-commerce part of the crackdown?
Because online product pages and banners also influence consumer choices.
6. What kind of words are under scrutiny?
Words like pure, natural, healthy, immunity-boosting, energy and 100%.
7. What is the main consumer lesson?
A health claim on a packet is a claim, not a guarantee.
8. What should consumers check?
Ingredients, nutrition information and evidence behind claims.
9. What is the broader public health concern?
Rising obesity and unhealthy diets.
