India Re-Elected to IMO Council with Record Category-B Vote Share

Nation secures 154 of 169 votes for 2026–27 council term

India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category B, winning 154 out of 169 valid votes during the 34th IMO Assembly in London on 28 November 2025. This marks India’s highest-ever vote share in the category and its second consecutive term topping the ballot, reinforcing its role as a major global maritime stakeholder. The re-election highlights international confidence in India’s shipping reforms, sustainability agenda, and blue economy growth.

Mission and Objective
The objective of India’s continued council membership is to enhance participation in global maritime policymaking, strengthen seafarer welfare frameworks and accelerate climate-aligned shipping reforms. The council position enables India to contribute actively to decarbonisation pathways, regulatory governance and digital navigation standards.

A further goal is to support the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047, which aims to transform India into a competitive, innovation-led maritime hub by modernising ports, pushing green shipping adoption, and expanding global maritime diplomacy.

Current Status
India will serve a two-year term on the IMO Council (2026–27). Maritime engagement priorities include digital shipping systems, supply-chain resilience and port-led development. Bilateral meetings held during the assembly focused on infrastructure cooperation, seafarer training, and green shipping partnerships. No procedural delays have been reported.

Technical Details — Key Voting Outcome

• Election body: 34th IMO Assembly, London

• Category: B (seaborne trade interest nations)

• Votes secured: 154/169 — highest in category

• Strategy driver: Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047

Roadmap — Next Milestones

• Green-shipping expansion — Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways

• Digital maritime integration — DG Shipping & tech partners

• Port modernisation and shipbuilding push — Sagarmala & Shipyards

• Global policy alignment & capacity-building — IMO collaborations

Exam-Oriented Key Points

• India re-elected to IMO Council Category B for 2026–27

• Secured 154/169 votes , highest in group

• Aligns with Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047

• Focus: decarbonisation, digital shipping, blue economy

• Strengthens role in global maritime decision-making