UNITED NATIONS, Oct 30: India has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security as major priorities for its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term, emphasising the need to use emerging technologies to strengthen global security and international cooperation.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said technological advancements should contribute to safer oceans and secure maritime trade rather than create new geopolitical tensions.
Addressing a high-level Security Council debate on emerging technologies and maritime security, he described oceans as vital links in global commerce that support economic growth, livelihoods, and food and energy security. He stressed that protecting maritime routes was essential for international peace and prosperity.
Parvathaneni noted that Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, satellite surveillance and advanced cyber capabilities were transforming maritime security. While these technologies offer significant opportunities, their misuse could create serious challenges requiring coordinated international action.
He said India’s objective was to ensure that technological progress strengthened human security, expanded opportunities and made shared maritime spaces safer. He also called for greater access to technology, training and institutional support for developing countries to help them protect critical maritime infrastructure and participate in shaping global technology policies.
Highlighting the importance of freedom of navigation and uninterrupted maritime trade, the Indian envoy said attacks on commercial vessels had exposed the vulnerability of important shipping routes and strategic maritime chokepoints.
Such incidents threaten seafarers, interrupt supply chains and impose additional economic costs, particularly on developing nations. India strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and reiterated its commitment to freedom of navigation, lawful maritime commerce and the protection of seafarers under international law.
He also outlined how AI-powered analysis of satellite images, radar information and vessel-tracking data could improve maritime domain awareness, identify suspicious activities and strengthen search-and-rescue operations.
In this regard, he cited India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region, located near New Delhi, as an example of how information-sharing and international partnerships can improve maritime security.
Parvathaneni said India’s approach was guided by the SAGAR vision — Security and Growth for All in the Region — and its broader commitment to inclusive cooperation across the maritime domain.
He further cautioned that growing digitalisation and automation were exposing ports, ships, communication networks and undersea infrastructure to cyber threats. The increasing use of autonomous systems also raised concerns over accountability, attribution and the possibility of unintended escalation.
He called for appropriate safeguards, meaningful human oversight and clearly defined responsibilities in deploying emerging technologies.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to international law, Parvathaneni said the UN Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) remained essential frameworks governing the conduct of states.
India also advocated stronger coordination among international institutions, particularly the International Maritime Organisation, stressing that their existing responsibilities should be strengthened rather than duplicated.
He said the Security Council should address technological developments that have clear implications for international peace and security while promoting practical cooperation, confidence-building and resilience.
India has announced its candidature for a non-permanent Security Council seat for the 2028–29 term. Elections are scheduled for June next year, with India and Tajikistan competing for the sole seat allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group.
The debate took place under Greece’s presidency of the Security Council for October.
Earlier, in September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar co-chaired an event on AI and international peace and security, with particular emphasis on maritime security, alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly.
Jaishankar had highlighted the need to harness AI’s potential while anticipating its consequences and addressing associated risks. He also underlined its applications in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, disaster management, identifying suspicious activities and improving the resilience of ports and critical infrastructure.