- India won the election to remain a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the next two years with a second highest margin.
- India was re-elected to the body under Category B at an assembly of the organization at its headquarters (London).
- India managed to secure 144 votes of member countries. Germany scored a maximum of 146 votes.
- This for the first time voting was held for Category-B in the IMO councilsince its inception.
- Earlier all 10 members in Category-B were elected unanimously and India has been a member since 1959.
- India has been elected to the Council of the IMO ever since it started functioning, except for a two-year during 1983-1984.
International Maritime Organization
- It is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security & environmental performance of international shipping by creating a regulatory framework for the shipping industry.
- It is the only UN special agency to have its headquarters in the United Kingdom.
- It is the first ever international organization devoted exclusively to maritime matters.
- The objective of IMO is the improvement of Maritime safety and the prevention of marine pollution
- India has been a member of the IMO since 1959.
- There are three category of membership in the organization.
- Category A - has countries which have interest in providing international
shipping services It consists of 10 members.
- Category B- has large nations with interest in international seaborne
trade. It consists of 10 members.
- Category C- has special interests in maritime transport or navigation. It
consists of 20 members.
- Currently, India has Category-B membership and it hopes to get an upgrade in IMO status to Category – A membership.
- It would enable India to be part of the several committees of the body, which would essentially mean greater participation in the decision-making process.