India re-elected to IMO council with highest votes, signals growing global maritime role

India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2025–26 biennium, securing the highest number of votes in its category, underscoring its expanding influence in global maritime governance.

India was elected under Category B, which comprises 10 countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UAE. The Indian High Commission in London confirmed that India received 154 votes, the highest in its category.

The IMO Council serves as the executive organ of the organisation, supervising its work between Assembly sessions. Its responsibilities include providing policy direction, overseeing technical committees, supervising implementation of maritime conventions, and approving the organisation’s budget and work programme. The Council also elects its Chair and Vice-Chair and coordinates with member states on matters affecting international shipping. The newly elected Council will convene for its 136th session on December 4.

India’s candidature for re-election was formally launched in July by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, T K Ramachandran, who highlighted the government’s plans to invest USD 1 trillion in the sector over the next 25 years. “We invite global partners to join India in our quest to become one of the leading maritime nations in the world,” he said. Ramachandran added that India embraces the philosophy of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, aiming to foster collaborative maritime efforts under its Vision 2047, which seeks to strengthen shipbuilding, ship recycling, financing, ownership, and flagging.

During the 2025–26 biennium, India is expected to contribute actively in maritime safety, environmental protection, and global trade facilitation, while supporting technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives for developing countries. Its priorities will include enhancing global shipping safety standards, promoting sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving port efficiency, and advancing ship recycling and financing frameworks.

The IMO, headquartered in London, is the UN agency responsible for regulating international shipping, ensuring safety at sea, security of maritime operations, environmental protection, and smooth facilitation of trade. Its Assembly, which meets once every two years, elects the 40-member Council, approves budgets, and determines the organisation’s work programme.

India’s top-vote re-election highlights its growing stature in global maritime affairs and its commitment to shaping a safe, sustainable, and cooperative international shipping ecosystem.