The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, successfully hosted the 3rd Council Meeting of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai from December 8–12, 2025. Over 60 delegates from more than 30 countries attended, showcasing India’s rising prominence in the maritime sector.
The meeting was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who emphasized India’s evolving role in international maritime standards under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He also launched the Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism, aimed at improving access and transparency across 75 lighthouse destinations in India.
Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary (PSW), highlighted India’s extensive maritime domain, which includes over 11,000 km of coastline and more than 200 ports. He noted that India’s maritime sector is entering a transformative phase, crucial for supporting the nation’s aspirations in the Blue Economy.
Mr. Francis Zachariae, IALA Secretary General, praised India for its contributions to global navigation safety. The Council Meeting included discussions on updating existing IALA standards and introducing new global guidelines, reinforcing India’s commitment to enhancing marine navigation practices and its active role in international maritime cooperation.
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