International Maritime Organization Council (IMO)
Why in news?
India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026–27 term, securing the highest vote tally among the countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
Significance
- India’s Council seat enables direct influence on decisions affecting global shipping, sustainability regulations, and maritime governance.
- Bilateral engagements at IMO sessions help India build partnerships for maritime technology, efficiency, and climate resilience.
- India's re-election to Category (b) with the highest votes reaffirms India's growing stature in multilateral institutions and its maritime diplomacy priorities.
About International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Composition
- Comprises 40 Member States elected by the IMO Assembly every two years.
- Divided into three categories:
- (a) 10 states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services;
- (b) 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade; (India in b cat.)
- (c) 20 states with special interests in maritime transport/navigation for global geographic representation.
- Recent expansion proposals aim to increase it to 52 members.
Key Functions
- Coordinates activities across IMO organs and submits work programs/budgets to the Assembly.
- Receives committee reports, makes recommendations to Member States, and enters agreements with other organizations (subject to Assembly approval).
- Performs Assembly duties except recommendations on maritime safety/pollution prevention.
Election Process
- Elected during the IMO Assembly's biennial regular sessions.
- Serves two-year terms starting post-election.
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