India wins highest votes for second term on IMO Council
The IMO Council has 40 member states across three categories and functions as the organisation’s executive body between assembly sessions.
India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation in Category B with 154 of the 169 valid votes cast at the 34th IMO Assembly in London on November 28. This is the second consecutive time India has secured the highest tally in the category, which comprises countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the outcome underscored India’s rising role in global maritime affairs. “India’s success at IMO is a proof to our dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s maritime vision,” said Sarbananda Sonowal.
He said the mandate reflected the confidence of the global maritime community. “This is a proud moment for India’s maritime sector and for our nation. This exceptional mandate from the global community is a powerful affirmation of Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to building a safe, secure, efficient and green maritime domain. His leadership has placed India firmly at the forefront of global maritime progress and positioned the country as a trusted voice in shaping the future of international shipping.”
Sonowal said India’s engagement in international shipping and its work on sustainability, safety and decarbonisation had helped build global trust. The re-election follows the recent India Maritime Week 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which drew participation from more than 100 countries and highlighted developments in investment, technology, port-led growth and maritime security.
Officials said the result aligns with the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047, a long-term plan to build India into a competitive maritime hub. The plan is guided by Modi and led by Sonowal with support from Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur.
The IMO Council has 40 member states across three categories and functions as the organisation’s executive body between assembly sessions. India held bilateral and multilateral meetings with countries, international associations and IMO officials during the Assembly to expand cooperation in maritime safety, digitalisation, green shipping, seafarer welfare and port development.
The other countries elected in Category B were Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
Industry observers say the vote strengthens India’s position in global maritime policy at a time when the sector is evolving through shifts in technology and sustainability demands. India continues to pursue initiatives to support responsible shipping, improve maritime security, modernise ports and build resilient supply chains.
The government said it remains focused on supporting international maritime governance and contributing to the stability of global trade.
