At the ICAO Council election held on September 27 in Montreal, India secured more votes than in 2022, reflecting growing confidence among member states in its leadership and commitment to global civil aviation.
India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialised UN agency. Part II comprises states that make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation.
The election took place on September 27 during the 42nd session of the ICAO Assembly in Montreal. India secured more votes than in the 2022 elections, reflecting growing confidence among member states in its leadership and commitment to global civil aviation.
Ahead of the session, the Ministry of Civil Aviation hosted a diplomatic reception in New Delhi on September 2, attended by ambassadors and high commissioners. On this occasion, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, sought support for India’s candidature for the 2025-28 term.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through sustained engagement with member states, reaffirmed India’s commitment to ICAO’s objectives. The Representative of India (ROI) at ICAO headquarters also actively canvassed support, strengthening India’s campaign.
During his visit to Montreal, Minister Naidu held bilateral meetings with member states and engaged with global aviation stakeholders. As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India continues to attract interest in aircraft component manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and skill development.
A founding member of ICAO since 1944, India has maintained an uninterrupted presence on the council for 81 years. It plays a pivotal role in advancing ICAO’s mission to promote safe, secure, sustainable, harmonised, and gender-inclusive international civil aviation. India remains actively engaged in policy development, regulatory frameworks, and global aviation standards.
The ICAO Assembly, convened every three years, is the organisation’s sovereign body comprising all 193 signatory states to the Chicago Convention. The 36-member ICAO Council, elected by the assembly, serves as the governing body for a three-year term.
For the 2025-28 term, India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening aviation safety, security, and sustainability; promoting equitable growth in air connectivity; advancing technology and innovation; and supporting ICAO’s ‘No Co