India Re-Elected to IMO Council as Category (b) Member for 2026-27

India has secured re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council for the 2026-27 term, reaffirming its standing in global maritime governance. The country won 154 of 169 valid votes during elections held at the 34th IMO Session in London, ensuring its continued presence in the influential body that shapes international maritime safety, security and environmental standards.

India’s Position in the IMO Council

India returns as a Category (b) member, a group reserved for nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. Other members in this category include Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. The IMO Council also includes members representing major providers of international shipping services and those chosen for special considerations.

Significance of the Re-Election

The Ministry of External Affairs described the result as a recognition of India’s commitment to sustainable shipping, maritime security and cooperation with the Global South. The re-election reinforces India’s influence in shaping policies of the UN agency responsible for shipping safety, security and pollution prevention. It also reflects confidence in India’s growing maritime profile and its constructive role in global maritime diplomacy.

Strategic Maritime Vision and Global Engagement

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted the role of Vision MAHASAGAR, which expands the earlier SAGAR framework from the Indo-Pacific to a global scale with a focus on the Global South. The vision complements national programmes such as Maritime Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047, aimed at transforming India into a leading maritime power through infrastructure expansion, logistics modernisation and sustained international partnerships.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India was re-elected to the IMO Council for 2026-27 with 154 out of 169 votes.
• India is a Category (b) member, representing major stakeholders in international seaborne trade.
• The IMO is a UN agency responsible for maritime safety, security and pollution control.
• Vision MAHASAGAR enhances India’s maritime outreach with emphasis on the Global South.

Momentum from India Maritime Week 2025

The re-election follows the India Maritime Week 2025, which saw over 600 MoUs worth more than ₹12 lakh crore signed across diverse sectors. The event also featured a pledge of ₹2.2 lakh crore in maritime investments. Together, these developments underscore India’s expanding maritime ambitions and its readiness to play a larger role in global shipping governance.