Standing for re-election under category B of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, India won with 144 votes, gathering the second highest number of votes after Germany. India is a founding member of the IMO, having ratified its Convention and has been a member ever since, except for 2 years in 1983-84. India has always been very active in associating with various initiatives of the IMO. India’s contributions have been vital to the working of the IMO and in setting up norms and regulations in the maritime sector. India is a significant seafaring nation, having approximately 8% share in the world market for seafarers.
The re-election is an outcome of coordinated efforts between the High Commission of India in London, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Shipping as well as India’s missions around the globe. Hon’ble Minister for Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari, addressed the IMO Assembly on November 28, 2017 where he highlighted India’s contribution to the IMO.
India’s re-election is important keeping in mind its growing trade. India is the fastest growing large economy in the world and has an abiding interest in international seaborne trade. It is planning to build 4 new ports and modernize 15 existing ports with a total investment of about USD 100 billion. India is looking forward to playing an important role in the IMO.
Readers like you, make ESHADOOT work possible. We need your support to deliver quality and positive news about India and Indian diaspora - and to keep it open for everyone. Your support is essential to continue our efforts. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our future.