India is enhancing its global maritime standing by promoting sustainable and secure shipping practices, according to government officials. Recently, the country was re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category B, which includes the ten nations with the most significant interests in international maritime trade. The IMO Council, consisting of 40 elected members, serves as the executive body between Assembly sessions.
In the recent elections held during the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly, India achieved the highest number of votes, securing 154 out of 169 valid ballots. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, celebrated this milestone, emphasizing that it reflects the international community’s trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a secure and environmentally friendly maritime domain.
The government noted that this impressive vote tally underscores global confidence in India’s leadership in shipping and validates the ongoing reforms aimed at bolstering the maritime sector. This achievement follows the successful ‘India Maritime Week 2025,’ which attracted participants from over 100 countries. This marks the second consecutive biennium where India has led in Category B, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to its Maritime Vision 2047.
