India Re-elected to IMO Council | 03 Dec 2025

Source: PIB 

India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category B (countries with major seaborne trade interests) for 2026–27 securing 154 out of 169. 

• The IMO Council (40 members across Categories A, B, and C) acts as the executive body between Assembly sessions and shapes global maritime policies. 

International Maritime Organization (IMO) 

• About: The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to regulate global shipping. It functions as the global standard-setting authority for the shipping industry, creating a fair, effective, and universally adopted regulatory framework. 
• Genesis and Membership: Established in 1948 as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (name changed to IMO in 1982), it currently has 176 Member States and. 3 Associate Members. India has been a member since 1959. 
• Primary Mandate: Its core responsibility is to improve the safety and security of international shipping and prevent marine and atmospheric pollution from ships.  
  • A critical feature is that the IMO itself does not enforce its policies; implementation is the responsibility of its member states. 
• Key Conventions & Strategies related to IMO: 
  • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, 1973): To minimize pollution (oil, garbage, air) from ships. 
  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS, 1974): Establishes minimum safety standards for ships. E.g., fire protection. 
  • International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW, 1978): Sets criteria for seafarer training and certification. 
  • 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships:  To achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. 
  • Kong Convention (2009): For sustainable ship recycling. 
  • Ballast Water Management Convention (2004): To prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.