Source: News on Air
Context:
- India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, Category B, for the 2026–27 term.
- Votes received: 154 out of 169, the highest in Category B.
- Significance: Marks India’s second consecutive highest vote tally, reinforcing its growing maritime influence.
About the IMO Council
- The executive body of the IMO responsible for supervising its work between Assembly sessions.
- Makes policy decisions on global maritime governance.
Formation & Role
- Constituted under the IMO Convention (1958).
- Elected every two years by the IMO Assembly.
- Category B: 10 nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
- Members: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UAE.
About the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
History
- Established by a UN Convention in 1948, came into force in 1958.
- First session held in 1959.
- Headquarters: London, UK.
Aim
- Ensure safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping.
- Maintain uniform global maritime standards to prevent unfair advantage.
Major Functions
- Formulates and updates global maritime conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW).
- Regulates ship design, construction, operation, and disposal.
- Develops rules to prevent marine and air pollution from ships.
- Oversees global norms on seafarer training and certification.
- Promotes sustainable maritime transport aligned with SDG-14 (Life Below Water).
