India was re-elected to the Category B of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026-27 term, receiving 154 votes out of 169 valid votes, the highest votes secured by a country in the Category B in November 2025, during the election held at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London, United Kingdom (UK).
- On December 4, 2025, the newly elected Council will meet for its 136th session and will elect its Chair and Vice Chair for the next biennium.
Exam Hints:
- What? India was re-elected to Category B of IMO
- Term: 2026-27
- India’s Vote: 154/169
- Other Category B countries: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, USA
- Election: During 34th session of IMO Assembly
- Where? In London (UK)
Significance: As part of the Council, India can influence critical issues such as Shipping safety standards, seafarers’ welfare policies, environmental regulations for ships, and port and trade logistics development.
Category A countries: It includes China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and United States of America (USA).
Other Category B countries: It includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Category C: 20 States such as Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Türkiye are under the category C.
About IMO:
Overview: IMO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency responsible for regulating shipping and maritime affairs globally. It was established in 1948 and came into force in 1958. It has 176 Member States and 3 Associate Members.
Purpose: IMO focuses on maritime safety, security, environmental protection, legal and technical maritime standards, and efficiency of international shipping.
Functions: IMO develops regulations for ship design and construction, ship safety standards, crew qualification and welfare, pollution control, and emission cuts.
About the IMO Council:
Overview: The Council acts as the executive organ of the IMO, making decisions on adoption of international shipping regulations, oversight of maritime safety and security, environmental protection in shipping, and budget and policy supervision.
Composition: The IMO Council consists of 40 member states divided into three categories, including:
- Category A, 10 countries with the largest merchant fleets
- Category B, 10 countries with significant interest in seaborne trade
- Category C, 20 countries which are not elected under Categories A or B, which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and they represent the other geographical areas
About International Maritime Organization (IMO):
Secretary-General – Arsenio Dominguez
Headquarters – London, United Kingdom
Established – 1948
