India Reaffirms Global Maritime Leadership as MoPSW Secretary Addresses IMO Assembly in London
Shri Vijay Kumar (IAS), Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), underscored India’s growing leadership in the global maritime sector during his address to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London. Speaking before representatives of IMO member states, he highlighted India’s sustained commitment to fostering safe, sustainable and cooperative international shipping—a commitment he said is deeply aligned with the IMO’s own mission and long-term priorities.
In a comprehensive address, the Secretary outlined the pillars of India’s maritime strategy, placing strong emphasis on seafarer welfare, green and energy-efficient shipping, enhanced security frameworks and greater global collaboration. These priorities, he said, reflect both India’s domestic initiatives and its wider responsibility as a major maritime nation, with 7,500 km of coastline, a rapidly modernising port sector and a merchant fleet that continues to expand its global footprint.
A central theme of his remarks was the indispensable role of seafarers—often described as the backbone of global trade. Shri Vijay Kumar highlighted India’s longstanding reputation as a trusted supplier of skilled maritime professionals, noting that Indian seafarers today contribute significantly to crew pools across the world. He reaffirmed the government’s continued focus on improving training standards, strengthening welfare mechanisms and expanding employment opportunities. “The wellbeing and safety of our seafarers remain at the core of India’s maritime vision,” he said, emphasising investments in world-class training infrastructure and digital certification systems designed to raise global benchmarks.
The Secretary also showcased India’s accelerating efforts to decarbonize its maritime sector. With climate resilience and sustainability now defining the trajectory of global shipping, India has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting energy-efficient shipping practices. These include the introduction of green port guidelines, pilot projects on green hydrogen and alternative fuels, the development of shore power infrastructure and research collaborations aimed at supporting low-carbon maritime technologies. He reiterated India’s support for IMO-led climate goals, stressing that equitable and inclusive energy transitions are essential for long-term success.
On maritime security, Shri Vijay Kumar told the Assembly that India continues to play a constructive role in safeguarding sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region—one of the world’s most sensitive and strategically vital waterways. He cited India’s active participation in information-sharing frameworks, anti-piracy missions and capacity-building programmes for partner countries. Strengthening security cooperation, he said, remains a global responsibility and a priority for India as it expands its capabilities and partnerships.
India’s contribution to maritime governance, he added, extends beyond regional initiatives. In this context, he noted that India is contesting the IMO Council elections under Category B for the 2026–2027 term. This candidature reflects India’s aspiration to meaningfully influence future maritime policy, especially in areas such as safety standards, digitalisation, environmental regulation, seafarer rights and support for developing nations. Shri Vijay Kumar emphasised that India’s record—shaped by consistent engagement, technical expertise and a collaborative approach—positions it strongly to serve on the Council and support the IMO’s mission.
He concluded by reaffirming India’s readiness to work with all member states to ensure a safer, greener and more efficient global maritime ecosystem. “India stands committed to strengthening the shared future of international shipping,” he said. “Through collaboration, innovation and steadfast determination, we can build a maritime sector that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable for generations to come.”
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