India wins resounding re-election to IMO Council for 2026–27 term

India has secured a fresh two-year term on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Council, winning re-election in Category B with the highest vote count among all contenders.

During the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London, member states cast their ballots in a secret vote to fill the 40 seats on the Council. India, contesting in Category B — reserved for the ten nations with the greatest stake in global seaborne trade — received an impressive 154 votes out of 169 valid ballots, the strongest mandate in its group. The renewed term will run through the 2026–27 biennium.

According to the official statement, the outcome reflects broad international confidence in India’s role within the maritime sector. “India received overwhelming support from the global maritime community, reaffirming its commitment to contribute meaningfully to the IMO’s work,” it said.

The IMO Council consists of three categories and represents 40 elected member states out of the organisation’s 176 members. The Council serves as the executive body that oversees the IMO’s work between sessions of the Assembly.

On the sidelines of the assembly, the Indian delegation also engaged in discussions with various country representatives, international organisations, and IMO officials, focusing on cooperation and shared maritime priorities.