India Re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council

December 4, 2023

In a recent assembly, India achieved a significant milestone by being re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2024–25 biennium. This re-election places India in the esteemed Category of 10 states with the “largest interest in international seaborne trade,” standing alongside influential nations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Key Role of International Maritime Organisation

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) stands as the primary authority regulating the maritime industry, supporting global trade, transportation, and all marine operations. The IMO Council, functioning as the executive organ, supervises the organization’s work under the assembly. It takes on the assembly’s functions between sessions, excluding making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.

India’s Vision for IMO Representation

Under the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030), India aims to appoint permanent representatives at IMO London. The proposal also suggests nominating at least two qualified candidates for the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program at the IMO. The JPO Program, part of the United Nations, provides young professionals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international cooperation.

Amrik Kaal Vision 2047

The Amrik Kaal Vision 2047 outlines 43 initiatives, focusing on enhancing India’s global maritime presence. Key initiatives include 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 to ensure coordinated and timely implementation of regional projects.

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