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Published 09:13 IST, June 18th 2020

EAM Jaishankar issues first response as India secures UN Security Council seat unopposed

India has been elected unopposed as a non-permanent member of the 15 member UN Security Council for the 2021-22 term. Here's what EAM S Jaishankar said

Reported by: Jay Pandya
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India on Wednesday was elected unopposed as a non-permanent member of the 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-22 term. The country's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti said India received overwhelming support in its election to the UNSC and it will continue to provide leadership and a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system.

'Reflection of the strong campaign'

"I am truly delighted that India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2021-22. We have received overwhelming support and I'm deeply humbled by the tremendous confidence which the member states of the United Nations have reposed in India," Tirumurti said in a video message after the election results were announced.

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"Our elections to the Security Council are a testament to Prime Minister Modi's vision and his inspiring global leadership, particularly, in the time of COVID-19. The outcome is a reflection of the strong campaign legged by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar," added.

'Congrats for your good work'

Responding to the message on Twitter, EAM S Jaishankar congratulated the team of MEA and Permanent Mission of India to United Nations for their "good work"

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India garnered 184 votes out of the 192 ballots cast in the General Assembly to win the election for the non-permanent seat in the powerful Security Council. India's two-year term will begin on January 1, 2021. This is the eighth time that India will sit at the UN high-table, which comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.

READ | Pakistan FM attempts brave face; says 'no issue' if India becomes permanent UNSC member

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Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and most recently in 2011-2012. Along with India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway also won the Security Council elections held on Wednesday. There were 192 Member States present and voting and the 2/3 required majority was 128.

READ | India's election for UNSC non-permanent seat on June 17; EAM Jaishankar releases brochure

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The 193-member UNSC holds elections every year to elect five non-permanent members for a two-year term at the UN. However, Canada lost the election as it fell short to secure the necessary two-thirds support in a unique round of physically distant voting despite more than four years of rigorous campaigning.

READ | India elected unopposed to UNSC non-permanent seat for the eighth time with 184 votes

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(With agency inputs)

09:13 IST, June 18th 2020