India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2024-25 biennium with the highest tally. This re-election underscores India’s influential role in the international maritime arena and reflects the global community’s recognition of the country’s contributions to seaborne trade.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed gratitude for the international support, highlighting the government’s commitment to bolstering India’s role in global maritime operations.
The IMO Council, serving as the executive organ of the International Maritime Organization, holds a pivotal role in supervising the organization’s work. Responsible for overseeing maritime industry regulations, the council supports and shapes global trade, transportation, and all marine operations. India’s re-election places it among the ten states with the “largest interest in international seaborne trade,” alongside influential nations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Indian delegation, led by Secretary T.K. Ramachandran from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, played a crucial role in securing the re-election. The team, which included representatives from DG Shipping, officers of DGS, and industry experts, worked tirelessly to garner support and highlight India’s strategic importance in the maritime sector.
India aims to enhance its representation at IMO by appointing permanent representatives in London, as outlined in the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 document.
The Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines ambitious goals to strengthen India’s global maritime presence. With 43 identified initiatives, key focus areas include establishing a dedicated IMO cell in India, appointing a permanent representative at IMO headquarters in London, and implementing the BIMSTEC projects.
(Inputs from ANI)