India re-elected to the IMO Council for 2026–27 with highest vote tally
LONDON : India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, in Category B, comprising 10 countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. India secured the highest number of votes in the category, receiving 154 out of 169 valid votes cast during the elections held on 28 November 2025 at the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly.
Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed his delight on the achievement, stating:
“A proud moment for India’s maritime sector! India has been re-elected to the IMO Council for the 2026–27 biennium with the highest tally of votes in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
This resounding mandate reaffirms the global community’s trust in Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for a safe, secure and green maritime domain.”
India’s highest vote tally reflects the international community’s strong confidence in India’s constructive leadership in global shipping. It also reaffirms the success of India’s maritime growth agenda under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision. The result further validates the Government of India’s sustained reforms and forward-looking initiatives to strengthen the maritime sector.
The achievement comes soon after the successful organisation of India Maritime Week 2025, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, which saw participation from over 100 countries.
The IMO Council consists of 40 elected members across three categories and functions as the executive body of the IMO between sessions of the Assembly. On the sidelines of the Assembly, the Indian delegation engaged with several countries, international organisations and IMO officials on cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
This is the second consecutive biennium in which India has secured the highest tally in Category B—reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047, guided by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and steered by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal along with the Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur.
India continues to strengthen its global position in the maritime sector by advancing sustainable, safe, secure and smart shipping and contributing to the growth of the global maritime ecosystem.