India’s bid for a 2028‑29 seat on the UN Security Council is now anchored in a platform that marries artificial intelligence with maritime security. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni told a high‑level debate that technology must strengthen human security, expand opportunity, and safeguard shared maritime commons. He warned that without safeguards, the same tools that can detect threats could widen inequality.
Parvathaneni highlighted cyber vulnerabilities as a growing threat to shipping lanes, noting that freedom of navigation hinges on secure technology. He cited a recent incident where three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz struck sea mines and were set ablaze, illustrating how disruptions at chokepoints ripple into global supply chains. The envoy called on the international community to tighten cyber defenses and ensure human oversight of autonomous systems.
The election for the Asia‑Pacific group seat will take place in June 2025, pitting India against Tajikistan for the single non‑permanent position. A vote by the General Assembly will decide who will sit on the council for the 2028‑29 term. The outcome will influence how emerging technologies are governed in maritime contexts.
India underscored its commitment to inclusive cooperation through its Information Fusion Centre‑Indian Ocean Region, a joint venture that shares satellite imagery and vessel‑tracking data. He linked the initiative to the SAGAR vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region—emphasizing that technology should serve development, not deepen disparities. The envoy urged other nations to join the effort to build resilient, transparent maritime governance.