India’s Role in the 132nd IMO Council Session in London

Source- This post on the India’s Role in the 132nd IMO Council Session in London has been created based on the article “India Leads Global Maritime Discourse at IMO Council Session in London” published in “PIB” on 11 July 2024.

India’s Role in the 132nd IMO Council Session in London

1. India is actively participating in the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London.

2. India is an elected member of the IMO Council in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, emphasized the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment.

3. Other proposed members include the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US, and France.

Key Focus Areas for India at the IMO Session

1. Addressing Seafarer Abandonment: India raised awareness about the ongoing crisis of seafarer abandonment, with 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers. India was chosen to be part of the Joint Tripartite Working Group at the IMO, which consists of eight nations. This group focuses on addressing seafarer issues and enhancing the human elements in maritime operations.

2. Maritime Security Initiatives: The Indian delegation discussed recent disruptions in maritime regions like the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy’s successful missions were highlighted, including the rescue of MV Marlyn Luanda and intercepting MV Ruen to combat piracy and ensure crew safety.

3. India reinforced its proposal for establishing the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT). The center aims to lead the transformation of the maritime sector in South Asia, focusing on technological advancements, sustainability, and digital proficiency. Key goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing regional maritime capabilities.

UPSC Syllabus: International organisation