India’s SHANTI Doctrine: Key Challenges, Significance & Explained

Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar introduced India’s SHANTI Doctrine while launching India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term.

SHANTI stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. It presents a framework for promoting cooperation, trust, rules and responsible behaviour in shared maritime spaces.

The Bay of Bengal can act as an ideal starting point for putting the SHANTI Doctrine into practice. Once successfully implemented in the region, the approach could be expanded to the broader Indo-Pacific, supporting a more stable, cooperative and rules-based maritime environment.

What is India’s SHANTI Doctrine?

The SHANTI Doctrine is a new foreign policy and global governance framework introduced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the launch of India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term.
It reflects India’s vision of creating a peaceful, secure and fair international order based on rules, mutual trust, cooperation and inclusive development.
SHANTI stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.
The doctrine highlights the importance of following international norms, building trust among countries and maintaining integrity while addressing global and regional challenges.
SHANTI builds on India’s earlier strategic frameworks, including SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR, and seeks to provide a broader approach to cooperation and security, particularly in the maritime and Indo-Pacific regions.

Evolution of India’s Maritime and Foreign Policy: SAGAR to SHANTI

Over the past decade, India’s maritime and foreign policy approach has gradually expanded from a regional focus in the Indian Ocean to a broader vision covering the Global South, Indo-Pacific and international institutions.

The evolution can be understood through three major frameworks: SAGAR (2015), MAHASAGAR (2025), and SHANTI (2026).

SAGAR (2015)	Security and Growth for All in the Region Focused on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and neighbouring littoral and island countries. Strengthened India’s role as a net security provider and first responder. Emphasised maritime security, regional development and freedom of navigation.
MAHASAGAR (2025)	Mutual and Aligned Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions Expanded India’s engagement to Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa and Latin America. Focused on strengthening partnerships with the Global South, development cooperation and economic diversification.
SHANTI (2026)	Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity Emphasises norms, trust, integrity and rules-based cooperation. The Bay of Bengal through BIMSTEC can serve as an initial area for implementation, with a broader Indo-Pacific and global outlook.

Why is the SHANTI Doctrine Important for India?

Strengthens India’s UNSC Campaign- SHANTI provides a clear values-based framework for India’s campaign for a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2028–29 and highlights India’s commitment to global peace and cooperation.
Supports India’s Permanent UNSC Seat Ambition- The doctrine reinforces India’s long-standing demand for reform of the UN Security Council, including greater representation of developing countries and expansion of the permanent membership.
Promotes a Rules-Based Global Order- SHANTI emphasises international law, the UN Charter, multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution. It seeks to create a more stable, predictable and equitable international system.
Advances the Interests of the Global South- The doctrine strengthens India’s role in representing the concerns of the Global South, including equitable governance, development cooperation, climate justice and inclusive growth.
Strengthens Maritime Security– SHANTI complements SAGAR and MAHASAGAR by supporting a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime order. It can encourage greater maritime cooperation and respect for freedom of navigation.
Promotes Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts- By emphasising dialogue, cooperation and peaceful settlement of disputes, SHANTI can contribute to greater regional and global stability.
Encourages Responsible Use of Technology– The framework highlights the need for secure, ethical and inclusive use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber technologies and digital platforms, through international cooperation and common standards.
Supports India’s Indo-Pacific Vision– SHANTI complements initiatives such as the Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) by promoting a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific through stronger connectivity, maritime cooperation and regional partnerships.

What Are the Key Challenges in Implementing India’s SHANTI Doctrine?

UNSC Reform and Veto Power
Regional Security Threats
China’s Growing Maritime Influence
Limited Regional Cooperation
Climate Change and Natural Disasters
Financial and Institutional Constraints
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy

Conclusion

The success of the SHANTI Doctrine will depend on India’s ability to convert its vision of Norms, Trust and Integrity into practical cooperation. Strengthening regional institutions, improving maritime and technological capabilities, building stronger partnerships and pursuing sustained diplomacy will be crucial for its effective implementation.