What happened?
On June 4, 2025, India was elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three-year term spanning 2026 to 2028. In the election held at the UN General Assembly, India secured 181 out of 187 valid votes, reflecting broad international backing. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the member states for their trust and commended the efforts of India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.
This marks at least the 18th time India has served on ECOSOC, having previously completed four consecutive terms from 2008 to 2020.
Why it matters to India
ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and related work of 15 UN specialized agencies, their functional commissions, and five regional commissions. India’s election to ECOSOC underscores its commitment to multilateralism and its active role in shaping global economic and social policies. As a member, India aims to contribute to addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to healthcare and education.
India’s participation in ECOSOC aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives of promoting sustainable development and fostering international cooperation. By engaging in ECOSOC’s work, India seeks to share its development experiences and collaborate with other nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).