India secured 154 of 169 valid votes at the 34th IMO Assembly in London, topping the category of nations with the largest stake in international seaborne trade.
India has been re‑elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026-27 biennium, securing the highest number of votes in Category B, which represents countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
During elections held at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London, India received 154 out of 169 valid votes, reaffirming its growing influence in global maritime governance. This marks the second consecutive biennium in which India has achieved the highest tally in Category B.
Expressing his happiness at the achievement, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “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.”
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the result further validates the Government of India’s sustained reforms and forward‑looking initiatives to strengthen the maritime sector. The development comes within weeks of the successful organisation of India Maritime Week 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which saw participation from over 100 countries.
The IMO Council, consisting of 40 elected members across three categories, functions as the executive body between assembly sessions. The Indian delegation also engaged with several countries, international organisations and IMO officials on cooperation in areas of mutual interest, further underlining India’s active role in shaping maritime policy.