India secures highest tally in re-election to IMO Council

New Delhi, Dec 3: India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2024–25 biennium, receiving the highest tally in the elections held at its assembly on Friday.

The re-election places India in the Category of 10 states with "the largest interest in international seaborne trade," standing alongside prominent maritime nations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed his gratitude for the support of the international community and emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening India's contributions to international maritime operations. He stated, “The highest votes are indicative of the government's determination to strengthen India's varied contributions to international maritime operations."

The IMO is a leading authority regulating the maritime industry and plays a crucial role in supporting global trade, transportation, and all marine operations. The Indian delegation, led by Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, T.K Ramachandaran, included members such as DG Shipping Shyam Jagannathan, officers of DGS, the High Commission of India at London, and industry representatives.

The IMO Council, as the executive organ of IMO, is responsible for supervising the organization's work and performs key functions between sessions of the assembly. India's objective is to appoint permanent representatives at IMO London, aiming to enhance and contribute to global maritime expertise.

As part of the Amrik Kaal Vision 2047, India has identified 43 initiatives in its Action Plan. Key initiatives focus on strengthening India’s global maritime presence, including establishing a dedicated IMO cell in India, appointing a permanent representative at IMO headquarters in London, implementing the BIMSTEC Master Plan, and creating a robust institutional structure for BIMSTEC projects coordinated and timely implementation. The vision aims to solidify India’s position in the global maritime arena, aligning with the nation's long-term goals.