International Maritime Organisation (IMO): India Re-elected to IMO Council with Highest Tally

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Why in News?
• What is the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)?
• Governance of IMO
• Significance of Shipping Industry and Role Played by IMO

Why in News?

• India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with the highest tally at elections held at its Assembly in London for the 2024-25 biennium.
• India's re-election reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing India's diverse contributions to global maritime operations.

What is the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)?

• The IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
• It was established following agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and came into existence 10 years later, meeting for the first time in 1958.
• Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, IMO currently has 175 Member States and three Associate Members.
  • India joined the IMO in 1959 and the IMO currently lists India as among the 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
• The IMO's primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its mandate includes -
  • Maritime safety,
  • Environmental concerns,
  • Legal matters,
  • Technical co-operation,
  • Maritime security and
  • The efficiency of shipping.
• In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators do not have to compromise on safety, security, and environmental performance in order to address financial difficulties.
  • This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Governance of IMO

• IMO is governed by an assembly of members which meets every two years.
• The Assembly is responsible for approving the work programme, voting the budget and determining the financial arrangements of the organisation.
• It also elects the organisation's 40-member council at these meetings for the next two-year period
• The council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible (under the Assembly) for supervising the work of the organisation.
• Between sessions of the Assembly, the council performs the functions of the Assembly, except that of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.

Significance of Shipping Industry and Role Played by IMO

• Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis.
  • IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.
• Shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation, facilitating over 80% of global trade and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples all over the world.
• IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping - including ship design, construction, etc. - to ensure that this vital sector remains safe, environmentally sound, energy efficient and secure.
• Through IMO, the Member States, civil society and the shipping industry are already working together to ensure a continued and strengthened contribution towards a green economy and growth in a sustainable manner.
• IMO is actively working towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the associated SDGs.

Q1) What is the Global Maritime India Summit 2023?

The Global Maritime India Summit 2023 was inaugurated in Mumbai to discuss and deliberate key issues of the maritime sector including ports of the future; decarbonisation; coastal shipping and inland water transportation; shipbuilding; etc.

Q2) What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a planned economic corridor that aims to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe.

Source: India re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council with highest tally