India Secures Highest Votes in IMO Council 2026–27
London: India’s maritime footprint has once again been affirmed on the global stage. In a decisive outcome at the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London today, India was re-elected to the IMO Council in Category B — the cohort representing the ten countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. The Indian delegation secured 154 out of 169 valid votes, not only winning a seat but topping the category with the highest tally.
This second consecutive tenure with the highest Category B vote tally follows closely on the heels of India Maritime Week 2025, inaugurated by the Prime Minister and attended by representatives from over 100 countries. Analysts suggest that this visibility has reinforced India’s global maritime credibility, demonstrating that it can convene multilateral dialogues, promote sustainable shipping practices, and act as a bridge between established maritime powers and emerging economies. The success also reflects sustained domestic reforms: modernisation of ports, initiatives in inland waterways, digitisation of customs and cargo-handling processes, and progressive environmental policies in line with IMO’s Green Shipping Programme.
The election was watched closely by maritime capitals worldwide. India’s candidacy was backed by a track record of sustained reform, proactive engagement in maritime safety, environmental protection, and digitalisation, as well as diplomatic outreach spanning continents.
For observers, the numbers are more than a formality. They signify the global community’s trust in India’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to shipping governance, maritime safety, environmental compliance, and emerging challenges such as decarbonisation and sustainable port development.
But beyond the ceremonial optics, the re-election carries tangible responsibility. Category B Council members wield influence on regulations that shape shipping safety, decarbonisation standards, digital maritime operations, and the environmental footprint of global trade. Unlike a simple symbolic vote, the position allows India to intervene in deliberations on IMO conventions, guide emerging policies on e-navigation and cyber resilience, and influence frameworks for sustainable and secure shipping — domains that are critical as the Indo-Pacific maritime ecosystem grows in economic and strategic significance. India’s record vote signals recognition of both its growing shipping sector and its diplomatic engagement in multilateral maritime affairs.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the re-election as “a proud moment for India’s maritime sector,” noting that the tally “reaffirms the global community’s trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a safe, secure and green maritime domain.” Indeed, India’s presence on the Council is no mere ceremonial role. It coincides with an era when shipping faces transformative pressures: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, digitising port operations, combating maritime security threats, and adapting to global supply chain shocks. Active participation in policy-making forums allows India to influence technical regulations, set industry standards, and advocate for practices that align with domestic capabilities and strategic interests.
The IMO Council, with 40 elected members across three categories, functions as the executive arm of the organisation between Assembly sessions. Its decisions affect global shipping standards, maritime safety regulations, and environmental compliance obligations, impacting not only national fleets but also global commerce. India’s elevated role, therefore, carries strategic significance: it enables Indian policymakers to advocate for fair regulations, enhance cooperation with developing maritime economies, and contribute to the evolving framework for smart, safe, and sustainable shipping.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, the Indian delegation engaged bilaterally with other member states, international organisations, and IMO officials, underscoring India’s interest in expanding technological partnerships, knowledge exchange on port and fleet efficiency, and coordinated responses to climate-linked maritime risks. By leveraging these interactions, India signals that its Council seat is not symbolic but a platform for operationalising its Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047, aiming for leadership in green shipping, regional port connectivity, and maritime trade facilitation.
India’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council, again with the highest vote tally in Category B, underscores global recognition of its maritime diplomacy, regulatory foresight, and ability to navigate complex intersections of trade, environment, and security. It is a testament to a maritime strategy that blends economic ambition, environmental responsibility, and geostrategic vision.
Building on its achievements from the previous biennium, India now has the opportunity to further consolidate its influence: shaping IMO regulations on safety, decarbonisation, and digital shipping; steering initiatives on secure and sustainable maritime practices; and ensuring that Indian ports, shipping lines, and maritime infrastructure remain competitive, resilient, and technologically advanced in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global maritime ecosystem.
– global bihari bureau
