India
re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with the
highest tally, and the term of council will be for the biennium 2024-25.
India’s re-election falls under the category of 10 states with “the largest
interest in international seaborne trade”, alongside Australia, Brazil, Canada,
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE).
Union Minister for Ports,
Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the highest votes are indicative
of the government’s determination to strengthen India’s varied contributions to
international maritime operations.
Between
sessions of the assembly, the council performs the functions of the assembly,
except that of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and
pollution prevention. According to the
statement, under the MIV 2030 to enhance representation at IMO, India aims at
appointing permanent representatives at IMO London.
The
Indian delegation was led by Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
waterways, T K Ramachandaran, with members including DG Shipping Shyam
Jagannathan, officers of DGS, High Commission of India at London, and industry
representatives.