United Nations:
After years of intense diplomatic canvassing, it's time for the pay off. The UN votes on Tuesday to elect five new non- permanent members of the UNSC.
India is standing unopposed for the Asia seat after the only other contestant in this category, Kazakhstan, withdrew from the race in December last year.
Still, India needs to clinch two-thirds of the General Assembly vote, that's 128 votes to win a seat at the UN high table.
Also significant is that three emerging economies - India, Brazil and South Africa - will occupy seats on the Council at the same time.
"As you know, all these countries are aspirants for permanent membership of the Security Council and we hope that if things work out, all of us will utilize our time on the Council to work and achieve an early expansion in permanent membership," said Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations.
With India being the only contestant in the Asia category, Tuesday's election may be a mere formality but what New Delhi will be watching for, is the final tally of votes. A strong majority could be seen as proof of India's acceptability and further bolster India's claim for a permanent seat when serious negotiations begin for expanding the Security Council next year.