India Elected to Vice Presidency of International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore.
Singapore:
In a significant development for India’s maritime sector, the country has been elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during the ongoing 1st General Assembly of IALA in Singapore. This election reflects India’s growing influence in global maritime affairs and its commitment to enhancing maritime safety and navigation standards worldwide.
The Indian delegation at the General Assembly was led by T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and included key officials such as Mukesh Mangal, Joint Secretary, N. Muruganandam, Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, and S. Saravanan, Deputy Director. The assembly marks a historic transition for IALA, as the organization officially moves from being a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO).
India’s election to the Vice Presidency of the IALA underscores the country’s prominent role in shaping international standards for maritime safety. It highlights India’s ongoing contributions to the enhancement of navigational safety and its leadership in the global maritime community. As a newly appointed Vice President, India is set to influence the organization’s efforts to harmonize global maritime navigation systems and support initiatives aimed at ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable marine transportation.
IALA, originally established in 1957 as an NGO, transitioned into an inter-governmental body to strengthen its ability to set global standards and best practices for marine navigation. This transition will allow the organization to further its mandate in maritime safety, environmental protection, and international collaboration, addressing emerging challenges in the maritime industry.
India’s election to this prestigious position also paves the way for the country to host two significant IALA events in the coming years. In December 2025, India will host the IALA Council meeting, and in September 2027, the IALA Conference and General Assembly will take place in Mumbai. These events will further solidify India’s role as a key player in the global maritime safety landscape.
Through its leadership in IALA, India continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to advancing maritime safety, improving navigational aids, and fostering international cooperation in the maritime sector.
